By: Scott Jackson, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer

The Pats finally got it done on the road.  The team beat the Buffalo Bills 17-10 in Orchard Park.  Quite a nice early Christmas present for Kraft’s Kingdom.

Quarterbacks:
Tom Brady’s 115 yard performance was his worst of the year.  True, Tom is banged up.  And, as usual, is under near constant pressure.  Neither of these factors make Brady’s job any easier.  But at the end of the day, New England won.
My Grade: C

Runningbacks:
The corps made one of the leagues worst ground defenses look like one if its best.  The Bills D allows a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry on the year, but the Pats ‘backs averaged only 3.2 per.  They’ll be getting some coal in their stockings tomorrow morning.
My Grade: D

Receivers/Tight Ends:
Great touchdown reception by Randy Moss in the second quarter.  Randy finished with 70 yards on five grabs.  While Moss was criticized, incorrectly, about his effort against Carolina, he’s the only one who really showed up Sunday.  Wes Welker tripped himself up twice, and Sam Aiken let two deep throws fall through his hands.  As for the tight ends, no balls went their way, but they did a solid job blocking.
My Grade: C

Offensive Line:
The Bills defense was in Brady’s face all game.  And the meager 109 yards gained on the ground doesn’t help the line’s cause either. 
My Grade: D

Defensive Line:
With Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren out, Derek Burgess and Mike Wright had six total tackles and a sack each.  Rookie Ron Brace, playing his first significant time this year, had four tackles.  Good performance by the substitutes.
My Grade: B

Linebackers:
Tully Banta-Cain had three sacks.  Jerrod Mayo had a team high nine tackles.  And Adalius Thomas actually made some plays.
My Grade: A-

Defensive Backs:
Not a great showing.  As the game gets tight, their coverage gets looser.  Exhibit A: Lee Evans beating Leigh Bodden for a touchdown with three minutes to play.
My Grade: D

Special Teams:
Coverage team allowed Fred Jackson returns of 41 and 28 yards.  Nearly gave up the ball on an onside kick after Evans’ aforementioned touchdown, but lucked out because of an offsides call against the Bills.  My Grade: D-

Overall team grade:  C-
Doing enough to win, just barely.

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