Pick Six: Week 13

1. The Gillette Stadium crowd thought they witnessed a Patriot claim another record, but the celebration was short lived. TE Rob Gronkowski scored three touchdowns, tying the record for touchdown receptions by a tight end in a season with 13. Gronk’s third TD was actually was a lateral though. History will have to wait at least a week for Gronkowski, but he did score his first rushing touchdown.

2. When Matthew Slater was drafted in 2008, he had experience at UCLA as a receiver, a returner, and safety. His defensive background was fully put to use as he started the game in place of Patrick Chung. Besides finishing with seven total tackles, Slater forced a fumble in the third quarter. Naturally, the ball was recovered by the human loose ball vacuum, CB Kyle Arrington.

3. It was ruled a fumble when RB Kevin Faulk hit the ground on a three yard gain in the first quarter. But when the replay was shown, head coach Bill Belichick reached for his red challenge flag. After further review, Faulk was down by contact and the play was reversed. Belichick has been money when challenging plays this season. He has won six of eight challenges.

4. A few firsts to mention. We saw the debut of Nick McDonald at center. WR Tiquan Underwood had his first reception as a Patriot for a 10-yard gain. The recently signed CB Nate Jones not only was in the starting lineup, he defended his first pass with the Pats. And LB Jerod Mayo had his first career interception on an athletic diving play over the middle in the fourth quarter.

5. WR Chad Ochocinco had his first reception since week 10 against the New York Jets. Ochocinco making a miniscule contribution is nothing new. How he was used was. Ochocinco’s reception came when the offense was running a no-huddle attack. This might be a sign of Ochocinco’s understanding of the offense. He wasn’t on the field during no-huddle or two-minute offense situations before. Ochocinco doesn’t play much, but if he fully grasps the offense, his role could expand. It would add a new wrinkle to the offense late in the season. Defenses don’t want to deal with another Patriot weapon.

6. Colts receiver Pierre Garcon made his contribution to the Pats-Colts rivalry. The Gronk Spike is Gronkowski’s signature touchdown celebration. It’s appreciated enough that there was a sign in the endzone asking Gronk to spike the ball into the bullseye on the sign. Garcon, took issue with the sign. After he scored on a 33-yard catch, he spiked the ball at the sign. Gronkowski won’t remember what Garcon did, but Patriot fans will.