DETROIT (AP) -- Tom Brady threw a season-high four touchdown passes, all in the second half, to help the New England Patriots rout the Detroit Lions 45-24 on Thursday.

Brady threw a go-ahead touchdown to Deion Branch early in the fourth quarter after connecting with him on a 79-yard pass to tie
the game. Wes Welker's second TD reception sealed the victory with 6:42 left.

The Patriots (9-2) moved a half-game ahead of the AFC East rival New York Jets for the NFL's best record after trailing by 11 points late in the first half.

Detroit (2-9) ended up not being more competitive than it had been in its previous six showcase games - losing those by an
average of 23.2 points.

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