Patriots vs. Chiefs: Top Five Defensive Plays

The Patriots had a good share of positive defensive plays in their 34-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, here's my take on the top five plays:

5. 2nd and 6 from the NE 37, 12:51 left in the second quarter: Andre Carter and Mark Anderson combine for a sack on Chiefs' quarterback Tyler Palko.  The Chiefs lost eight yards on the play, and essentially took them out of field goal range (Patriots were already down 3-0).

4. 2nd and 9 from the NE 9, 2:48 left in the first quarter: With the Chiefs threatening to go up 7-0 early, Patriots defensive end Andre Carter sniffs out a designed draw by Chiefs quarterback Tyler Palko.  Carter brings down Palko for a six yard loss, ultimately forcing the Chiefs to settle for a field goal - their only points of the game.

Video: http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8245a14a/Carter-sacks-Palko

3. 2nd and 8 from the NE 34, 4:56 left in the third quarter: Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington intercepts a Palko pass intended for wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin.  Linebacker Jerod Mayo was in tight coverage on Baldwin, and with the pass slightly out in front, the pass tipped off the outstretched hand of Baldwin and landed in the hands of an opportune Arrington.  The interception helped the Patriots maintain their 24-3 lead with the Chiefs threatening in New England's territory, and it also gave Arrington his NFL-leading seventh interception on the year.

Video: http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8245acbf/Arrington-s-second-INT

Two more plays and recap after the jump!

2. 1st and 10 from the NE 10, 10:57 left in the fourth quarter: The Chiefs once again found a way to drive deep into Patriots' territory, and the Patriots once again came up with a big play to limit the Chiefs.  Patriots cornerback Phillip Adams, who has had a pretty productive year for the Patriots thus far, secured an interception in the back of the end zone on a Palko pass intended for receiver Steve Breaston.  Granted, it wasn't very wise decision making, as the pass was thrown into triple coverage.

Video: http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8245ae47/Palko-s-3rd-INT

1. 2nd and 3 from the NE 34, 2:12 left in the second quarter: Cornerback Kyle Arrington intercepts a Tyler Palko pass.  The throw was intended for Steve Breaston, but bounced off his hands as he was hit hard by Sterling Moore, and the pass landed in the hands of Kyle Arrington.  The poor throw was due in part to a big pressure and hit from Rob Ninkovich off the edge, and major props need to be given to Kyle Love for his ferocious block on a Chiefs lineman.

Video: http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8245a6db/Arrington-INT

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There is a pretty clear common theme in all of these plays: how opportunistic the Patriots defense was on Monday night against the Chiefs.  The Patriots let up some yards, but time and again, took away opportunities for the Chiefs to put points on the board.  Of course, the Patriots were going against a young quarterback making his first career start, but Monday Night's defensive performance certainly reminded me of the 2010 New England Patriots a bit.