By: Scott Jackson, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer

What a poor game for the Patriots.  If you look up the definition on blown-out, you’ll probably see Monday’s game as an example.  The team hadn’t played this bad in the bayou since Super Bowl XX, when the Bears downed the Pats 46-10.

Quarterbacks:
Tom Brady struggled mightily in this one.  Terrible Tom threw two interceptions.  The first was an excusable throw while being flushed from the pocket.  The second was a desperation heave with needing points badly.  On the plus side, Brian Hoyer didn’t look too bad.
My grade: D+

Runningbacks:
Sure. Laurence Maroney scored two touchdowns (clinching a victory in fantasy football for fellow columnist Dan Massar).  But he also coughed up the ball again (though in his defense he forced a fumble to take the ball back).  Sammy Morris was a near non-factor in his return.  Kevin Faulk made some plays in the passing game, as usual.
My grade: C-

Receivers/Tight Ends:
The Saints defensive back corp was whittled down for this one because of injuries.  You wouldn’t have known this watching the game, as Randy Moss and Wes Welker were both effectively covered all game.  It’s never good when Sam Aiken is your leading receiver.  The tight ends were even less effective in this one than last week. 
My grade: D+

Offensive Line:
Saints defensive end Will Smith “Got Jiggy with It” all game against Matt Light.  And he wasn’t the only one, as Brady had virtually no time to throw the ball, often against four man rushes.
My grade: D+

Defensive Line:
No pressure on Saints quarterback Drew Brees all game.  Vince Wilfork was stout against the league’s best rushing attack, but the Saints neutralized him with double teams, exposing New England’s weakness at defensive end.
My Grade: F

Linebackers:
Jerod Mayo’s worst game as a pro.  Tully Banta-Cain couldn’t get to Brees.  Adalius Thomas underwhelmed.  Not a good formula to win a game.
My grade: F

Defensive Backs:
New Orleans had almost 194 yards after the catch.  Drew Brees had touchdown passes of 18, 75, 38, and 20 yards.  Need I say more?
My grade: F

Special Teams:
The one bright side of Monday night’s game?  Wes Welker’s 41 yard punt return.  Chris Hanson was once again effective at punting the ball.  But kickoff coverage struggled at times. 
My grade: C+

Overall team grade: D-
Hopefully the team can move on, as they head to Miami for a tough divisional game against the Dolphins.

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