Washington Commanders

WATCH: Patriots (onside) kick Redskins while they're down

Published Nov. 8, 2015 1:54 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New England Patriots entered Sunday's game as heavy favorites against the Washington Redskins, and in the first quarter they proved why.

After methodically marching down the field and scoring a touchdown to open the game, coach Bill Belichick kept his foot on the pedal as he typically does. On the ensuing kickoff, Belichick called for a surprise onside kick executed to perfection by Stephen Gostkowski and the Patriots.

**SURPRISE ONSIDE KICK ALERT** Always be alert when Stephen Gostkowski is kicking. #WASvsNE https://t.co/WWuAriQP4W
— NFL (@NFL) November 8, 2015

Ryan Grant of the Redskins had a good shot at recovering it but was unable to hang on. The Patriots piled on it and recovered the ball, giving the offense a second consecutive possession.

As expected, New England drove down the field after recovering the onside kick and scored on a LeGarrette Blount rushing touchdown. It gave the Patriots a 14-0 lead before the Redskins even touched the ball on offense.