by ANDY GRESH, Weekdays 6-9pm
Why do the Patriots make it so difficult on themselves? Defensive penalties, sloppy ball handling, and at times not playing through to the whistle, caused everyone indigestion watching this one to the end. The Patriots made it easier for Chicago to stay in the game by handing out great starting field position on both of their first half touchdown drives. Belichick’s crew didn’t play great, but most of Sunday’s mistakes are correctable.
QUARTERBACK—A-
Finding out that Gronk wasn’t going to play just one day before the game meant the game plan had to be altered. Losing Sony Michel in the 1st quarter means, the altered game plan had to be altered again. And Brady still sliced the Bears defense. One can quibble as to whom the interception was on Brady or Develin, I say split the difference. Its impressive that Brady will still spread the ball around to all his receivers like its 2005.
RUNNING BACK—A
Sony Michel got off to a great start and lets hope his injury isn’t season ending. I didn’t ding this position group down a grade line because he fumbled the ball as he got hurt. James White is elite out of the backfield in the passing game and his touchdown catch in the one on one situation vs. Floyd was a thing of beauty. Kenjon Barner did a nice job getting more work than expected. I thought he ran hard and gave great effort.
WIDE RECEIVERS—B+
Teams are jumping on Edelman in certain short yardage situations which is why Hogan was able to be highlighted in the 3rd quarter as he doesn’t get that attention in the slot like Julian. Hogan has really learned the nuances of playing with Tom Brady and knows when to sit and stop to get the ball thrown his way. The timing and trust with Josh Gordon will evolve just in time for December.
DWAYNE ALLEN—B
Allen had a great first quarter especially on the Edelman quick screen touchdown. Solid blocking all day long. Job well done.
OFFENSIVE LINE—B+
Brady was well protected for all but 4 of his attempts in this game and the ‘Big Boys’ controlled Chicago pass rusher Khalil Mack all game long. Mack wasn’t himself, but that doesn’t take anything away from the job done against him. The run game wasn’t as prominently featured after Michel left the game, but was successful when it needed to be.
DEFENSIVE LINE—B
The pass rush was very good all game long. Bad rush angles led to the Trubisky long rushing TD. And the pursuit after Trubisky got out of the pocket was lacking at times. Adrian Clayborn is someone who has to be accounted for by offenses in obvious pass rush situations. Deitrich Wise keeps getting better reading plays and using his length to his advantage.
LINEBACKERS—B+
I thought Hightower and Elandon Roberts held up well against the run. Most of Chicago’s rushing yards were from Trubisky and I didn’t see Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores switch to having someone ‘Spy’ the QB. Van Noy had a great all around game. I thought he was particularly good in corralling the outside runs.
DEFENSIVE BACKS—B-
There were turnovers produced, but also plays that could’ve been made for turnovers that weren’t completed. J.C. Jackson had multiple mistakes, but his interception was a great hustle play. Trubisky extending plays in and out of the pocket led to some long plays where you can’t expect the back end to cover forever. I think the group overall is getting more comfortable and competitive.
SPECIAL TEAMS—B-
Can’t have a delay of game on a kickoff. I expect more from Ryan Allen at the end of the game. He must be more precise and not cause a touchback under a minute to go. Patterson atoned for his fumbling sin with an amazing kickoff return for a TD. You see on that play why Bill Belichick wanted him on this team. The ability to make people miss and run away from pursuing defenders isn’t seen from many in the NFL. The punt and kick coverage got better. Edelman recovered his own fumble but that a mistake a rookie makes, lets hope that his once a season occurrence.
1If Sony Michel is out for the year, its worth looking into a trade for a running back who has some legs left.
2If Gronk needs another week off, give it to him. It’s just the Bills next week #billsmafia
3Be patient with J.C. Jackson at cornerback. He needs nurturing but the Pats have something here.
