Midseason Report

[flotsamnjetsam]

New England Patriots (5-2)
Grade: B

What they’ve done well: Instead of dropping to mediocrity after losing to the Jets and Broncos, the Pats laid a 59-0 whipping on the Titans and followed that with a 35-7 win over Tampa Bay. Even if Tom Brady isn't fully healthy, this team remains explosive. Shutting down Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker remains a near-impossible task. The Pats are No. 1 in the league in time of possession (34:22) and No. 3 in yards per game (406.0).

Needs improvement: If it seems easy for opposing quarterbacks sit in the pocket, survey the field and find open receivers against the Patriots, that’s because it is. New England ranks 26th in quarterback sacks, with just 13. Trading Richard Seymour to the Raiders before the start of the season has cost them significantly. The Pats are ordinary at run defense, allowing 109.4 yards per game, 15th in the league.


http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sport ... 32172.html

[morrison.daniel]

Patriots report card: MIdseason report:B+ the could be better but they aren't doing to bad with 6-3 record.
Quarter back: A- Brady started off slow vs. Buffalo and NYJ and even Baltimore but they got it going in the last few weeks scoring many points against the Titans and Buccs. Brady did well for most fo the Indi game too.
Running backs: B- Patriots don't have a great runningback but their running back by committee is doing okay. Maroney has 4 straight games with a TD and if the fumble on the goaline didn't occur the grade would prob be a B. Atequate job by the Pats but I think a Rb needs to be addressed this offseason
Wode Receivers/ TE: A With the exception of Joey galloway the Patriots are doing pretty well at WR. MOss is starting to play extremely well with Brady stepping up to the plate. Welker is on pace for over 100 catches for the third yr straight. Great job but a wr in the second may still be needed as Moss is getting old and there is no great wr opposite him on the field.
Offensive Line- B+: Perphaps the most inconsistent part of the Patriots there offensiive line has gone from good to bad to good. After the Jets game they have been playing better and the addition of Vollmer has been a huge help. Still I believe the Pats need to sign or draft one more guard/tackle this offseason.
Overall offfensive grade: A-

Special Teams: A- no return TDs but haven't given up a lot on the returns either. Gotz is a beast.
Coaching- B- Bellichick a B-? After the poor call to go for it on 4th and 2 backfired I had to lower my grade from A- to B-. With no spectacular decisions and few coaching meltdowns I would say a B- is fair
Defense:
The Dline: C-: The Dline is playing attrociously for the Patriots hardly eveer rushing the qb. Thety aren't especially good at run d either giving up over 100yds per game.



LInebackers: B-: Mayo and Guyton are doing a good job in coverage but are lacking rushing the passer or stopping the run.
DBS: B: Perphaps the Patriots best DBS in years the Patriots are finally getting a few interceptions aand big plays from Meriweather and the DBS. Also Chung has looked promising when he ahs played.
Defensive grade: C+. They aren't allowing too many points but after seeing Indi score 3 TDS in the fourth quarter they need to improve on defense.