Editor’s Note: Beginning this week, Andy Gresh will be part of The Providence Journal’s Patriots coverage for the season. “Gresh’s Grades” will appear each week in print, on providencejournal.com/sports, and on 630wpro.com following a Patriots game.
Sunday was a great opening-day win for the Patriots against the Houston Texans, a familiar opponent that has consistently proven to not be mentally tough enough to win in Gillette Stadium. The Pats were in total control for most of Sunday’s game, a good start for all three phases of the team.
QUARTERBACK: B+
Tom Brady missed a touchdown on a throw to Rex Burkhead off a Texans fumble on their first play. And the interception was tough luck, but it still came out of Brady’s hand. Mentally he’s sharper than ever and unafraid to run the QB sneak. A nice day for what we expect from TB12, an amazing day for a 41-year-old man playing against kids.
RUNNING BACKS: A-
It was a big hit, but Burkhead still was guilty of a fumble. He must secure the ball better in order to continue to get touches in the running game. Everyone who was asked to contribute did: James White in the passing game, Jeremy Hill before he was injured had a couple nice runs, James Develin with his blocking and catching. The whole unit was sound in pass protection.
WIDE RECEIVERS: B
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is clearly comfortable using Cordarrelle Patterson in different ways. Using him early kept the Texans defense on its toes. Chris Hogan was himself, and Phillip Dorsett was clutch, sure-handed and ran great routes. He clearly took a step forward and he’ll see the ball more from TB12.
TIGHT ENDS: A-
Rob Gronkowski was dominant. Even double covered, Brady trusts the ball won’t get intercepted. Brady throws it to him the way he did to Randy Moss when he was double-covered in 2007. I’ll excuse him for the fumble because of the great catches he made … or almost made.
OFFENSIVE LINE: A-
This grade was lowered because of the two, fourth-quarter sacks by D.J. Reader on the inside. But I thought this group shined. They kept Brady clean; were more than respectable in the running game; and, as a group, had only one penalty.
DEFENSIVE LINE: A-
LOTS of pressure generated by a true, 4-down, DL/DE look, mainly on third downs. Big boys, rushing the passer with reckless abandon. It was beautiful to watch Texans QB Deshaun Watson have to move around all game long: 12 QB hits all by defensive linemen or ends. This group is deep and versatile.
LINEBACKERS: B
I’d like to see some better tackling in between the tackles in the running game. The coaches played with two linebackers in passing situations, but also mixed in some 3-4 concepts and turned the outside backers loose to rush the passer on occasion.
SECONDARY: B+
The coaches mixed it up with lots of three-safety looks. They played four corners, mixed in Patrick Chung in coverage, and I thought the group tackled very well in space. For the first time in years, this group can handle it when de facto defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants to bring extra pressure.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C
The Riley McCarron fumbled punt was an absolute non-starter. I thought the return coverage was a little spongy at times, but the kickers were fantastic. This must be a no-turnover zone.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
1. I expect the Jaguars, next week’s opponent, to smother the wide receivers physically and take their chances with Brady throwing to Gronk in double coverage and the running backs in the flats.
2. The Pats’ pass rush to get better all season long.
3. The evolution of Burkhead in this offense — IF he stays healthy.
“The Gresh Show” airs each weeknight on 99.7FM and AM 630 WPRO from 6 to 9 p.m.
