Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no secret that the Patriots have a significant amount of talent. But that’s expected from the reigning Super Bowl champions, who have also started 7-0. The Patriots are playing great football on both sides of the ball right now.
While there’s plenty of players that are playing at a Pro Bowl-caliber level, we are going to limit the list to eight players, three on offense, three on defense, and two on special teams. First off, let’s take a look at the special teams.
Kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Gostkowski is kicking the ball better than he ever has in his career. He broke Adam Vinatieri‘s team record for the most consecutive field goals with 26, and the most consecutive extra points in the NFL, when he broke Matt Stover‘s record of 422 straight. Gostkowski is the best kicker in football, and he can also put some curve on the ball when he needs to.
Special Teams Ace Matthew Slater
The spot in the Pro Bowl for the third special teamer is Matthew Slater’s. He’s made the Pro Bowl in this slot for the last 4 years, and there’s no sign that he won’t get that honor for a fifth straight year. He is the best player in kick coverage in the entire NFL, and his leadership to the team is obvious at all times. Slater is extremely likely to make it to the Pro Bowl as a special teamer again.
Next: Defense
Oct 29, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins (91) celebrates a sack by defensive end Chandler Jones (95) on Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive End Chandler Jones
After an injury-riddled season last year, Chandler Jones has become the opposing quarterback’s biggest nightmare. He currently leads the NFL in sacks with 8.5, and has also forced a fumble. His ability to beat double teams and get to the quarterback has allowed the coaches to drop more players into coverage to help a thin cornerback group, which in turn gives Jones more time to reach the passer.
Belichick invested heavily in the defensive line this offseason, so they have enough bodies so that Jones does not have to play upwards of 90% of the snaps like he did when he was healthy last year. Keeping Jones fresh will not only help him late in games, but it will always help come playoff time.
Linebacker Jamie Collins
In his second NFL season, Jamie Collins showed flashes of how great he could be, but struggled with inconsistency. However this year, Collins has turned into a force on the defensive side of the ball. His athleticism allows the coaching staff to play him any way they feel necessary, whether it be dropping into coverage, spying the quarterback, or pass rushing.
He’s even become a factor on special teams. Against Indianapolis, he hurdled the entire offensive line and blocked an extra point attempt.
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower
Simply put, Hightower has become a destroyer of worlds. He strikes fear into offenses as the Patriots top defensive weapon. He has inhuman strength. Against the Jets, he rag-dolled 220 lb RB Chris Ivory, and bulldozed C Nick Mangold.
He’s the Patriots best run-stopper as well, as he can penetrate offensive lines and take down any running back. Some will argue he’s the best linebacker in the NFL, but I say that’s an understatement. Hightower is the best defensive player in the entire league.
Next: Offense
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with defensive end Chandler Jones (95) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after throwing a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Running Back Dion Lewis
Before the season, Tom Brady said that Dion Lewis would become a “Cult hero” because of the way he slips out of tackles, and he wasn’t kidding. “Little Dirty” has been the Patriots best running back by far, and has far surpassed his role as just a 3rd-down running back.
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He can run the ball up the middle, off-tackle, as well as flex out wide and catch passes. He’s broken innumerable ankles in only six games this year, showing an incredible combination of quickness and change of direction abilities. Lewis has a ton of shake and bake to his game, making him incredibly difficult to stop in the open field as both a runner and receiver.
Lewis has added a dynamic to the offense never previously seen.
Tight End Rob Gronkowski
Gronk isn’t just a nightmare for opposing teams, he terrorizes them at all hours of the day. A “bad” day for Gronk is 4 catches for 67 yards. What a scrub.
There hasn’t been a team that has found a complete strategy to shutting him down, as Josh McDaniels keeps drawing up more creative ways to use him. If Gronk stays healthy, the Patriots offense is unstoppable.
Quarterback Tom Brady
Tom Brady’s “How do you like these balls” Tour is off to a rather nice start. Besides burning and pillaging ever team he plays against, he’s thrown for over 2,400 yards, and 20 touchdowns. He only has one interception, and it wasn’t even his fault.
Next: Trade Deadline Targets for the Patriots
Brady is more mobile than he has ever been in his career, and he’s getting the ball out with incredible quickness. When Brady “struggled” against the Jets’ supposedly elite defense, he still scored 30 points. Tom Brady is playing with a vengeance, and right now it doesn’t look like anybody will stop him.