Patriots Vs. Vikings: Tom Brady Finds Brandon Tate For Long Touchdown, Lead

Just after the Vikings started the second half with a solid drive, the Patriots proved they still have a potent big-play offense.

Tom Brady got away from pressure, and found Brandon Tate streaking down the sideline. Tate hauled in the pass, then cut back and raced to paydirt, giving the Patriots the lead. Stephen Gostkowski converted the extra point to make it a 14-10 game.

Though the hookup demonstrates that the Patriots still have big-play potential after trading Randy Moss to Minnesota, that particular play was abetted by a defensive breakdown. Asher Allen overcommitted to the low side of the route Tate ran, then was well out of position to defend him as he broke up the sideline.

The showdown in Foxboro is now shaping up to be a shootout. Both Brady and Brett Favre have quarterback ratings of more than 100.0, and both teams have avoiding committing any turnovers so far.