The New England Patriots had a 10-game improvement this year, thanks to the growth of second-year quarterback and a defense that plays with ferocity and aggressiveness under first-year coach Mike Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a player in New England.

That defense was impressive as hell on Sunday night, shutting down the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 at Gillette Stadium. Here's the story on their statement victory.