New England Patriots: Grading Position Groups Bills’ Game

Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Grade: C

The Patriots opened up the game trying to establish the run with a dose of LeGarrette Blount runs up the middle. However, he was stifled by the Bills’ defensive line, and failed to pick up any significant yardage. Blount was able to get into a groove towards the end of the fourth quarter when the Patriots were trying to run the clock out, but he was pretty much a non-factor most of the game.

James White, meanwhile, nearly executed the patented Josh McDaniels’ Draw Play on 3rd and Long to perfection, although he came up one yard short of the first down. Throughout, White showed flashes of his potential in both facets of the game, running and receiving out of the backfield.

During the waning seconds of the first half, White leaked out of the backfield uncovered, and caught a check down pass from Brady. He scampered towards the sideline and managed to slip out of a tackle near the 15-yard-line and walked into the endzone. Later, White showed off his running ability with a 6-yard touchdown run to break the 10-10 tie.

Brandon Bolden received limited offensive snaps, although he was able to convert a short-yardage 3rd down early on.

Blount has to get going much earlier, and while White made a couple of nice plays, he has to find a groove in the passing game. Until then, the Patriots offense will likely continue to struggle.

Next: Wide Receivers