By: Scott Jackson, YawkeyTalkies Correspondent

Not sure what was easier: New England’s 59-0 torching of Tennessee, or grading the team this week.  Since I’m not doing this in a snowstorm, I’ll go with my job.  But it’s close.

Quarterbacks:
Tom Brady threw for six touchdowns, including a league-record five in the second quarter.  He completed 85% percent of his passes.  Quarterbacks don’t do better than that unless they’re in practice, with no defense on the field.  Brady was in sync with his receivers all game, and showed great accuracy on deep throws.  As a bonus, Brian Hoyer went 9 for 11 in garbage time, and rushed for the game’s final score.
My Grade: A

Running backs:
Welcome back Laurence Maroney.  He wasn’t hurt or anything, but he played much of his career like he was on “Dancing with the Stars,” trying to get fancy with his feet instead of exploding through gaps.  But Sunday, he ran for 123 yards and a score.  With Sammy Morris out, BenJarvus Green-Ellis averaged nearly ten yards per carry.  Kevin Faulk caught a touchdown pass on a screen play that went for 38 yards.
My Grade: A

Receivers/Tight Ends
Randy Moss and Wes Welker combined for 279 yards and five touchdowns through the air.  Rookie Julian Edelman had six catches of his own, though none went for a touchdown.  The Tight Ends weren’t called on to do much in this one, mainly because the flankers were open down the field all day.
My Grade: A

Offensive Line:
No Matt Light.  No Problem.  Sure, Tom Brady was sacked twice.  But Light’s replacement at left tackle, rookie Sebastian Vollmer, filled in masterfully.  He didn’t allow two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Vanden Bosch to get to Mr. Bundchen all game.  The line also allowed the running backs to thrash the Titans defense.
My Grade: B+

Defensive Line:
No sacks, and only allowed one hit on the Titan’s Quarterback all game.  Big deal.  The defense forced six fumbles, and recovered three of them.  Tennessee gained a lot on the ground, but those yards came in the second half with the Pats looking to stop the deep ball. 
My Grade: B

Linebackers:
Jarod Mayo looks fully healed.  The sophomore had six tackles on the game.  And Junior Seau recovered a fumble in his first game back.  Solid day for the group.  It will be interesting to see how Adalius Thomas reacts to being scratched for the game.
My Grade: B+

Defensive Backs:
They held the Titans to negative yards passing.  Titans starter Kerry Collins had a QB rating of four.  To put that in perspective, I could step under center, spike the ball, and leave the game with a rating of around 40.
My Grade: A

Special Teams:
Steven Gostkowski missed a field goal, but hit his other attempt and nailed all eight extra-points.  Tennessee averaged only about 18 yards per kick return.  In a sign of offensive efficiency, Chris Hanson punted just once.
My Grade: B

Overall Team Grade: A.
Let’s be honest, they couldn’t have played much better.  Let’s see if they can keep it up against the London Sillynannies, aka the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

 Loading ...

Popularity: 3% [?]