By: Scott Jackson, YawkeyTalkies Correspondent

The Patriots are riding high as they head into their bye week. They’ve beaten their last two opponents 94-7 after beating the Bucs 35-7 in London.

Quarterbacks:
Yes, he did throw two interceptions. But he also threw for three touchdowns, and finished with a passer rating of 107. He threw for over 300 yards on just 32 attempts. Brady connected on three plays of 30+ yards, and looks like he’s recovered from last year’s knee surgery.
My Grade: B

Runningbacks:
The corps averaged a subpar 3 yards per carry, totaling just 85 (not including rushes by receivers or quarterbacks). This against a Tampa defense that allowed 162 yards per game coming into the contest. The group was nearly non-existent in the passing game; only Kevin Faulk caught the ball. Expect Belichick to work on the ground attack during the team’s bye.
My Grade: C-

Receivers/Tight Ends:
Wes Welker came up big again, catching ten passes for 107 yards. Randy Moss had five grabs of his own. Special teams captain Sam Aiken keeps making strides on offense. His 54 yard catch and go is the Pats longest run of the year. Ben Watson is finally maturing into a legit number one tight end. He made his 35 yard touchdown reception look easy with his quick speed. Good blocking from the tight ends too.
My Grade: B+

Offensive Line:
Couldn’t open up holes in the running game against a team that couldn’t stop the run before this week. Brady and backup Brian Hoyer were under pressure for most of the game. And the icing on the cake, eight penalties called against the group.
My Grade: D+

Defensive Line:
Put the pressure on Josh Johnson all day; Mike Wright continues to impress in his expanded role, racking up his fourth sack of the season. The line was instrumental in limiting Tampa’s running attack to just 89 yards.
My Grade: A

Linebackers:
Tully Banta-Cain showed why New England extended his contract by recording two tackles for losses. Jerod Mayo lead the team in tackles with eight. And Adalius Thomas looked good after being benched for last week’s game.
My Grade: B+

Secondary:
Brendon Meriweather had his best game as a pro, notching two interceptions in the first quarter, including a pick six. Rookie Darius Butler added an interception of his own. New England’s secondary brought pressure all game against the Bucs.
My Grade: A

Special Teams:
Stephen Gostkowski was solid on kickoffs. The coverage was too. Unfortunately the same can’t be said about the punt coverage. Chris Hanson netted just 30 yards per punt. I’ve seen high schoolers who can do that.
My Grade: C

Overall Team Grade: B.
They could’ve been better. They also could’ve been much worse.

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