New England got the ball to start the third quarter, with Ryan Wendell remaining in at Center while Dan Connolly is still out with a groin injury.
 Kyle Arrington made a big interception during the third quarter. (FILE:Icon/SMI) |
The drive started with a screen pass to BenJarvus Green-Ellis that was good for 25-yards. From there the Patriots drove down the field, with the drive ending with a 19 yard touchdown to Rob Gronkowski. On the play Gronkowski was hit at the goal line and flipped in the air, but held his arm out over the pylon and the play counted. He was slow to get up, but still did his trademark spike after the play. That put New England up 17-3 with 10:22 left in the third quarter.
Julian Edelman then essentially provided the knockout blow after the Patriots defense forced a three and out, returning the punt 72 yards for the touchdown to put the Patriots up 24-3 with 9:24 to go in the quarter. It was Edelman's second punt return for a touchdown of his career.
Kyle Arrington then killed Kansas City's next drive, picking off Tyler Palko on a pass intended for Jonathan Baldwin. On the play the ball went off Baldwin's hands and Arrington alertly snatched it out of the air.
New England then drove 50 yards on 8 plays, and finished with a 19-yard field goal to put them up 27-3 to close out the third quarter.
- At the end of the quarter, Tom Brady is 13-of-23 for 212 yards and two touchdowns.
- BenJarvus Green-Ellis has carried 16 times for 73 yards thus far (4.6avg).
- Rob Gronkowski has 4 catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns on the night.
- Wes Welker has yet to be targeted, and has been held without a catch through three quarters.
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