The Los Angeles Chargers (3-5) lost to the New England Patriots 21-13 Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, but New England possessed the ball for nearly 37 minutes and quarterback Tom Brady threw for 333 yards and a touchdown to end Los Angeles' three-game winning streak.
For the second consecutive game though, the Chargers struck first. On a 2nd-and-9 in the first quarter, Gordon outran New England's defense for an 87-yard touchdown. It was a career-long for Gordon and tied a record for the longest rushing touchdown in franchise history (Paul Lowe, 1961).
The Patriots responded on their next offensive possession with a 14-play, 77-yard drive that ended with a two-yard touchdown pass from Brady to tight end Rob Gronkowski.
In the second quarter, Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa sacked Brady to give him the most sacks (19) by any NFL player in his first 20 games. Bosa now has 8.5 sacks on the season.
Momentum shifted to New England a few plays later when AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Travis Benjamin — trying to make something out of nothing on a punt return — was tackled in the end zone, resulting in a safety. The Patriots led 15-7 at halftime.
After being held scoreless in the second and third quarters, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers found Benjamin for a 24-yard touchdown reception in the fourth. The two-point conversion failed, making the score 18-13 with 8:30 remaining in the game.
A Stephen Gostkowski field goal with 1:08 remaining increased the Patriots lead to 21-13. The Chargers drove down to New England's 23-yard line, but Rivers was intercepted on the final play of the game by cornerback Jonathan Jones.
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen had four catches for 61 yards. Rivers finished the game 17-of-30 for 212 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
NEXT UP
After the upcoming bye week, the Chargers open the second half of the season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Nov. 12th at 10 a.m. Pacific on CBS.
The Chargers take on New England for a Week 8 battle at Gillette Stadium
The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers face off at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, hands off to running back Melvin Gordon during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs past linemen blocking the New England Patriots on his way to a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Korey Toomer (56) and defensive end Chris McCain (40) team up to tackle New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) catches a pass in front of New England Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Darius Philon, left, celebrates after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin (12) catches a touchdown pass in front of New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin (12) leaps to celebrates his touchdown catch with Melvin Gordon during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Los Angeles Chargers safety Jahleel Addae (37) tackles New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Los Angeles Chargers' defensive back Desmond King, left, and Tre Boston, right, tackle New England Patriots running back Mike Gillislee, center, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) andLos Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) speak at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
