The New England Patriots are halfway through their regular season and at 6-2 they’re in a great position. There’s plenty to improve on though for the second half.
Well, we are officially halfway through the New England Patriots 2017 season. They have a 6-2 record with four straight wins over the Buccaneers, Jets, Falcons, and Chargers.
New England’s defense was the issue to begin the season, but they seem to have figured it out about over the last few games. The offense, led by Tom Brady, had to carry the team over the first four weeks of the year. In the game against Los Angeles though, it was clear that the offense has been struggling in the red zone. That will likely be addressed by Bill Belichick during this bye week though, and I’m not worried about it going forward.
Now, it’s time to take a lool at my grades for every offensive player on the New England Patriots roster! I’m sure you can guess what player got the worst grade, but the best grade may surprise you.
QB Tom Brady: A-
Tom Brady, at age 40, has been incredible. Oddly, I think he’s still been a little bit off at times. He’s still working on his timing with Brandin Cooks and he underthrows Chris Hogan a lot. His play his still been among the best in the league for QBs this season. Brady has a league-best 2,541 yards so far this season with just 2 interceptions and 16 touchdowns. He’s in the conversation to win another MVP award, and if he can get even better, this team will be in the Super Bowl.
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.
RB Dion Lewis: A-
Dion Lewis started the year slowly, but he’s really emerged as one of the Patriots best offensive options. He has the second-most carries on the team at 58 and he’s turned those into 271 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Lewis also has 10 catches for 58 yards. The lead running back is also averaging 24.2 yards per kickoff return for New England.
RB James White: B+
I expected more from James White this season, but he has been pretty consistent. He doesn’t get the ball much on the ground (28 carries for 120 yards), but he is the team’s leader in receptions. That’s crazy for a running back. White has already hauled in 43 passes from Tom Brady for 365 yards and a touchdown. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends the season with 90+ receptions here.
FB James Develin: A+
Anytime James Develin is on the field, you can be sure the play will be successful. He’s a stellar lead blocker, but he’s also somehow gotten into the passing game to keep defenses on their toes. Develin actually has 3 catches this season, the same amount as #3 tight end Jacob Hollister. That’s three more receptions than Dwayne Allen!
WR Danny Amendola: A-
Danny Amendola is a security blanket for Tom Brady this season with Julian Edelman out. He already has 31 catches and a touchdown, and that’s with some missed time. When DA is in the game, he’s all hustle and he is one of the best threats for Brady. With Chris Hogan now banged up a bit as well, the ball should find Amendola’s hands even more.
WR Brandin Cooks: B+
This grade is because I believe Brandin Cooks can be even better. He’s been the Patriots best receiver, but he’s still learning the offense and the system. So far, Cooks has 33 receptions for 563 yards and 3 touchdowns. The timing with Brady on long balls is still a work in progress, but Cooks is averaging 17.1 yards per catch. That’s a great clip, but he’ll be even better by the time the regular season ends. Look for Cooks to become even more of a deep threat down the stretch.
WR Phillip Dorsett: D+
Phillip Dorsett should be able to bring more to the Patriots offense, and if Hogan is out he may just be able to. He’s one of the fastest wide receivers in the league, and Brady should be finding him on deep balls. Dorsett rarely gets into games though, which lets you know he isn’t performing well enough in practice. I want Dorsett to become a weapon for Brady on this offense, but he just isn’t one at all right now.
WR Chris Hogan: A
Chris Hogan is the New England Patriots leader in touchdowns right now with 5. Well, he’s tied with Rob Gronkowski. That’s pretty good company. Hogan is averaging 13.3 yards per catch and he has 33 total on the year. Brady is spreading the ball out a ton, but when Hogan gets it he usually turns it into a big play. While I expected Amendola to be the Edelman replacement, I think Hogan has done it even more. He’s a bit banged up now, but when he’s back I expect the timing between Hogan and Brady to improve, resulting in even more big plays.
TE Dwayne Allen: F-
Dwayne Allen and I have the same amount of catches this season for the New England Patriots. ZERO. He hasn’t caught a single pass from Tom Brady all year, and he is a definite downgrade from Martellus Bennett a year ago. He needs to step up, get more involved, and find a way to make a play!
TE Rob Gronkowski: B+
Gronk puts up amazing numbers, and somehow they just seem normal for him. I’d like to see him put up even better stats in the second half of the year and into the playoffs. Right now, Gronkowski has 34 receptions for 509 yards and 5 touchdowns. I want 8 touchdowns for him over the last 8 games of the season!
TE Jacob Hollister: B+
Surprise, surprise, Jacob Hollister has more catches than Dwayne Allen this season. I actually PREFER to see Hollister on the field over Allen. He seems to be a bit more reliable and more eager to take on a blocking role. Before the season ends I think he’ll be the actual #2 and I sure hope he gets at least one touchdown before it’s all said and done.
Offensive Line: B
The offensive line is a lot harder to grade individually, though I will do that when the season officially ends. Collectively, I’ll give the group a B for now. Tom Brady has been sacked 21 times. That’s a fair amount, but it’s certainly not the worst in the league (Colts, 33). In fact, the Patriots fall right in the middle of the league. I think they will come together as the season goes along, and Brady will be on the ground less frequently.
Next: 10 greatest defensive Patriots ever
The line has been solid on the run though, salvaging this grade. The Patriots have 872 yards on the ground, tied with Tennessee and Buffalo for the 10th most in the league.
So, where did I screw up my grades? Who was too low and who was too high? As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts so tweet us @CandCFansided!