Chandler Jones blocks field-goal, returns fumble for touchdown (GIF)

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots offense are going to draw the bulk of credit for what looks like an easy victory over the Minnesota Vikings, but it’s been the defense who dominated and put

Example? Defensive end Chandler Jones blocking a field-goal, subsequently returning it for a 58-yard touchdown.

This is the defense that was absent last weekend. When the New England Patriots were unable to consistently score points against the Miami Dolphins, the defense did little to give them more opportunities.

The same can’t be said for today. Including Chandler’s block-and-return, the Patriots have forced three turnovers, the other two being interceptions by Darrelle Revis–his first as a Patriot–and Logan Ryan.

Of course, this is a Minnesota Vikings team with Matt Cassell starting at quarterback and without Adrian Peterson who was deactivated following arrest for child abuse. You don’t want to make a big statement due to quality of opponent, but this could be the game that gets a Patriots defense who many expected to be dominate following the returns of Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork as well as the addition of star cornerback Darrelle Revis.

The Patriots currently hold a 27-7 lead over the Vikings.