Courtest of ESPN

By: Scott Jackson, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer

Times may be tough for the Patriots.  But at least they’re not the Steelers.  The defending champs likely won’t make they playoffs after dropping four straight, including losses to Oakland and Kansas City.  Always look on the bright side of life.

Quarterbacks:
Tom Terrific had two touchdowns and 277 before morphing into Tom Terrible, throwing two interceptions down the stretch.  His stats would’ve been better had Sam Aiken been able to hold onto two deep throws.  But that’s the risk you run when throwing to Sam Aiken.
My grade: C

Running backs:
Laurence Maroney averaged 3.2 yards per attempt on 13 carries.  Designated short yardage back Sammy Morris couldn’t deliver on fourth and one.  As I’ve said on my radio show, the Pats inability to run the ball when teams expect the run (aka New England has the lead and tries to run out the clock) is the team’s Achilles heel (more like Achilles leg it’s so obvious).  So yes, you fantasy owners can gloat when Maroney scores early, but his inneptitude late is costing the team.
My grade:  D

Wide Receivers:
Some good plays from this group early, including a 58 yard score (Moss) and an 81 yard score (Aiken).  Things went downhill late though, with Moss barely trying to stop an interception in the endzone, and Aiken letting two catchable balls fall to the ground.  Wes Welker was his usual self, catching ten passes for 167 yards.
My grade: C

(normally I’d include tight ends with the above group, but I think they’re still in London seeing that they’ve been taken out of the passing game)

Offensive line:
Tom Brady was hit after nearly every pass.  The line couldn’t block for the run when needed and must have forgotten they have a knee to protect.
My grade: F

Defensive line:
The lack of a pass rush really isn’t their fault.  In Belichick’s 3-4 defense, they’re supposed to stay in their lanes and stop the run.  They did this fine. It would be nice, however, if they at least made an effort to get to the quarterback.
My grade: C+

Linebackers:
The outside ‘backers are charged with getting to the opposing signal caller.  Once again, they didn’t.  Making matters worse, each ‘backer whiffed on tackles during the game.  My grade: D

Defensive backs:
‘Phins quarterback Chad Henne went to Michigan.  So did Tom Brady.  Maybe that’s why the secondary made Henne looked like Brady in the second half.
My grade: F

Special teams:
Did a good job keeping return ace Ted Ginn in check.  Chris Hanson punted the ball out at the seven, but was forced to kick again because of a penalty.  So he knocked it out at the three.  No field goal attempts for Stephen Gostkowski.
My grade: B-

Overall team grade: D+
Only a slightly better than last week’s debacle in New Orleans.

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