New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers: Pats Avoid Trap Game

The New England Patriots avoided a major trap game Sunday afternoon in San Diego by hanging on to defeat the Chargers 23-20. 

New England traveled cross-country to play a very desperate team who very much needed a win. Not only were the Chargers desperate, they were ranked No. 1 in both offense and defense, so this game had "trap" written all over it. 

New England started off to a quick start with a 13-3 lead entering the half thanks to a touchdown pass from Tom Brady to tight end Rob Gronkowski, along with a pair of Stephen Gostkowski field goals. 

The Patriots offense struggled at times, but they were playing a top-notch defensive club. 

The Patriots went on to add to the lead with a BenJarvus Green-Ellis touchdown run to make it a commanding 20-3 lead. 

But San Diego would not go away. 

The Chargers outscored New England 17-3 in the fourth quarter, but that's what a desperate team will do. 

New England had control of the game with two minutes left, and gambled on a fourth and one from their own 49-yard line. Green-Ellis was handed the ball and got stuffed for a one yard loss, turning the ball over on downs. 

San Diego drove within field goal range and milked the clock with the Patriots having no time outs. 

San Diego's Kris Brown lined up for a 45-yard field goal attempt to tie the game and send it to overtime, but the Chargers were called for a false start and lost five yards.

Brown then lined up for a 50-yarder, but missed it wide right. Brown had the distance, but hit the right post, which gave New England the victory.

The Patriots prevailed in a close one out west, but a win is a win. 

The Patriots now sit tied atop the AFC East with the New York Jets (idle), at 5-1. 

This article was first seen on Sports Haze.

Tony Santorsa is Sports Haze's AFC East Beat Writer, and you could read more sports stories at www.SportsHaze.com. You can also follow Tony via Twitter @TonySantorsa.