After the Patriots were unsuccessful on fourth and one from mid-field, the Chargers gave the ball right back when Rob Nikovich recovered a Mike Tolbert fumble at the New England 35. Tom Brady wasted no time in marching the team down the field and heaving his third touchdown pass of the game, and the second to tight end Rob Gronkowski to give the Pats a 26-14 lead.
Danny Woodhead then converted on a two point conversion attempt to give the Pats a full two touchdown lead at 28-14.