Brady passes into history

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gives a thumbs-up leaving the field following Sunday's 26-10 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams. It was Brady's 201st victory, breaking a tie with Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history. [Photo/Agencies]

Tom Brady is alone at the top when it comes to career wins by an NFL quarterback.

Brady became the league's all-time leader in victories among QBs, earning his 201st by throwing for 269 yards and a touchdown to lead the New England Patriots past the struggling Los Angeles Rams 26-10 on Sunday.

Brady, who completed 33 of 46 pass attempts, broke a deadlock with Peyton Manning.

"It's always been about winning, and I've been very fortunate to be on a lot of great teams," Brady said of reaching the milestone. "I'm just really grateful."

His lone touchdown strike came on a 14-yard pass to Chris Hogan in the first quarter.

LeGarrette Blount scored the game's first major, rumbling for a 43-yard, ankle-breaking score in the first quarter while spinning around safety Maurice Alexander in the process.

Blount finished with 88 yards on 18 carries.

The Patriots (10-2) have won seven of their past eight as they prepare for a tough stretch against three teams with winning records over the final four weeks.

On the same day that Los Angeles coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead were given contract extensions, the Rams (4-8) proved they still have a long way to go after losing for the seventh time in eight outings.

Los Angeles entered the game ranked 31st in total offense, averaging 295 yards per game. Those struggles continued as the Rams managed just 25 yards in the first half, the fewest by any team this season. They were outgained 402 yards to 162.

In his third career start, Rams rookie QB Jared Goff was picked off twice, completing 14 of 32 passes for 161 yards.

"I kind of made a point of watching Tom's first drive," Goff said of focusing on Brady, whom he congratulated postgame on setting the wins record.

The Patriots had more fourth-down conversions (two), than the Rams had total first downs (one). Los Angeles also ran just 18 offensive plays, compared to 42 for the Patriots.

After not forcing a turnover for 44 straight possessions, interceptions by cornerback Malcolm Butler in the first quarter and linebacker Kyle Van Noy in the third marked four takeaways for the Patriots' defense over the past two games.

Los Angeles punter Johnny Hekker had a 76-yard kick in the fourth quarter. It was his third punt this season of 75 or more yards.

Thomas out

In Seattle, Seahawks' three-time All Pro safety Earl Thomas is likely out for the season after fracturing his lower left leg in the first half of Sunday's 40-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll told NBC that Thomas suffered a cracked tibia in a collision with teammate Kam Chancellor.

Thomas was defending a pass when his leg crashed into Chancellor's leg. He was down for a while before being carted off, and NBC said he was later seen on crutches.

Thomas tweeted from the Seahawks locker room late in the first half: "This game has been so good to me; no regrets. A lot is running through my mind, including retirement. Thanks for all the prayers."

Meanwhile, reigning league MVP Cam Newton did not start at quarterback for the Panthers in what was called a "coach's decision".

Carolina opened with Derek Anderson, who promptly threw an interception before being replaced by Newton.

Apparently, benching Newton for the start was coach Ron Rivera's call - and you might be surprised to hear the reason.

NBC's Al Michaels reported late in the first quarter that Newton "broke a minor team rule" and Rivera felt he had to discipline his star for it.

At the start of the third quarter, NBC sideline reporter Michele Tafoya clarified what the team rule was: Newton arrived at the stadium not wearing a necktie.