By: Scott Jackson, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer

The Patriots got back to their winning ways against the Panthers. The Pats downed the Cats 20-10, snapping a two game cold streak.

Quarterback:
Not a bad week for Tom Brady. His second son was born, and he got a much needed win. His numbers weren’t bad, throwing for 192 yards and a touchdown, while completing just over half his attempts. Not Joe Montana numbers, but not JaMarcus Russell numbers either.
My Grade: C

Runningbacks:
Great game for the corps. Ran wild over the Cats, for 187 total yards. Kevin Faulk scored the game’s tying touchdown, and Laurence Maroney managed to keep hold of the ball all game. Sammy Morris did fumble, but also did a great job run blocking.
My Grade: A

Receivers/Tight Ends:
Wes Welker grabbed ten passes for 105 yards. At this point his name should start popping up in MVP talk, but it won’t. Randy Moss was nearly shut-out, but that was a result more of Carolina’s scheme than a lack of effort on Moss’s part. The tight ends shined in this one. Ben Watson caught three passes, and made an excellent catch for the go-ahead touchdown. My Grade: B

Offensive Line:
Less pressure on Brady than there’d been in past weeks. Add that to a great rushing game, and it was a good week for the line.
My Grade: A

Defensive Line:
Held one of the leagues best rushing attacks in check. Ty Warren played the starring role in this one, with Vince Wilfork missing a significant amount of time. On the negative side, not much of a pass rush, per usual.
My Grade: B+

Linebackers:
No Adalius Thomas, no problem (though its not like you’d notice if he played anyway). Jerod Mayo tied for the team lead with seven tackles. Gary Guyton was good in pass defense.
My Grade: B

Secondary:
James Sanders was bumped up into the starting line-up, and tied Mayo with seven take downs. Shawn Springs returned to the starting line-up, and played well. Not an overwhelming performance, but good enough to win from the group.
My Grade: C+

Special Teams:
Stephen Gostowski nailed both his field goal attempts. Chris Hanson continued his excellence with another coffin corner kick.
My Grade: B

Overall Team Grade: B-
The team won, but it did come against a weak Carolina team. Either way they’ll take it. Up next is a trip down I-90 to Buffalo. The Pats can’t let down now to secure a playoff spot.

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