New England Patriots 2017 mid-season offensive player grades

RB Rex Burkhead: B

Rex Burkhead has struggled to stay on the field so far this season, but when healthy he’s a nice piece to have in the Patriots offense. He’s carried the ball just 15 times, but with a 4.3-yard average, he already has 64-yards on the season. Burkhead also has 12 receptions from Tom Brady for 128-yards and a score. With more time in this offense, I can easily see a lot of improvement coming for Burkhead with the Patriots.

RB Mike Gillislee: B-

Honestly, it feels like Mike Gillislee has underperformed in a Patriots uniform. When you look at the stats, however, he is New England’s leading rusher. Gillislee has 98 carries for 355 yards and 4 touchdowns, but he’s really fallen off over the last few weeks. In fact, he’s been last in terms of touches among the running backs. Gillislee was supposed to replace LeGarrette Blount as the Patriots big-bodied back, but he hasn’t been the goal line scorer that this team needs. In the second half he’ll have to step up or he’s going to have a big fat F at the end of the year from me.