Courtesy of the NYDailyNews

By: Scott Jackson, YawkeyTalkies Correspondent

The Patriots hadn’t lost In New Jersey since Bill Clinton was President back in September of 2000.  But on Sunday the Jets proved they can talk the talk and walk the walk, winning 16-9.  Now get out your pens and paper because it’s time for the  weekly Patriots report card.

Quarterback:
In one of his worst games, Tom Brady threw for 216 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.  But you can’t give him all the blame.  The line was porous, and Brady was missing his go-to receiver in Wes Welker.  Still, you’d expect more from a two-time Super Bowl MVP. 
My grade: D+

Runningbacks:
The team carried the ball 19 times for 81 yards.  Fred Taylor averaged over 5.8 yards per carry, but only got the ball 8 times.  Laurence Maroney did a good job of blitz pickup.  More rushes might have stopped the Jets pressure, or at least given Brady a chance to recover from all the hits.  
My Grade: B+

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends:
Wes Welker didn’t play, but fans may have mistaken rookie Julian Edelman for him.  Playing in the slot for Welker, the converted college QB grabbed 8 catches for 98 yards.  But he was the one bright spot in the group.  Moss couldn’t get seperation against Darrelle Revis, despite being single covered most of the game.  Joey Galloway still hasn’t shown much as a Patriot, and dropped the ball on the game’s deciding play.  And speaking of drops, Ben Watson let one of the four balls thrown at him to fall through his hands, but that’s expected at this point. 
My Grade: D

Offensive Line:
Considering how often the Jets blitzed, it could’ve been worse.  The line didn’t allow one sack, but Giselle’s husband was knocked down seven times.  This isn’t the first time this unit has struggled against the rush, and maybe it’s time for some change within this group.  On the plus side, they did open up holes in the running game. 
My Grade: D+

Defensive Line:
The unit forced two fumbles in the first quarter.  But, New York did gain 117 yards on the ground, and most of the damage was done where Richard Seymour would’ve been. Still, the defense as a unit hold the Jets to 16 points, and they’re not to blame for the loss. 
My grade: B-

Linebackers:
Gary Guyton filled in well for Jarod Mayo, racking up a team-high ten tackles.  But the rest of them disappeared.  Adalius Thomas, the man with the $12 million signing bonus, had one tackle and an assist.  And there was no rush to speak of from the ‘backers.  Maybe they went into witness protection. 
My Grade: D

Secondary:
No big plays from this group.  They allowed rookie QB/GQ model Mark Sanchez to complete 14 of 22 pass attempts.  But the group got burned on New York’s lone touchdown because Jonathon Wilhite and Brandon McGowan couldn’t figure out where to play in the zone.  And for a former first round pick, Brendan Merriweather has yet to make his presence felt. 
My Grade: C-

Special Teams:
Stephen Gostkowski went 3 for 3 on field goals, and is the only reason this group didn’t flunk.  The kick coverage was attrocious, allowing 31 yards per return.  And Sam Aiken and BenJarvis Green-Ellis both commited key penalties on returns.
My Grade: D-

Team Average Overall: C-

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