The New England Patriots put aside a slow start to rack up another easy win, 33-7, over the Washington Redskins on the road. Here are the grades for the Patriots offense.
Quarterback
Tom Brady showed improvement after a shaky first half, to finish with 348 yards and three passing scores while completing two-thirds of his pass attempts.
After a few sluggish drop backs — some caused by defensive pressure — including a deep miss throwing to Josh Gordon and yet another horrid end zone interception, Brady then found a rhythm via both calculated throws and improvisations.
Grade: B
Running Back
Finally, Sony Michel got going.
Last postseason’s premier bell-cow back rushed for 91 yards and a score on 16 carries, while also showing promise in the passing game (three catches, 32 yards) for the first time in his career. His second-half performance was masterful.
Brandon Bolden added a 29-yard score on a wheel route on a pass from Brady, showing his reliability. And James White added 72 yards on 12 total touches (six catches).
Jakob Johnson, the rookie fullback out of Germany, had a fine performance. His best spelling James Develin, who is on injured reserve. Johnson laid several key lead-blocks to spring Michel in the second half.
Grade: A
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Tight end alert!
Brady found Ryan Izzo for a second-half score to give New England their first post-Rob Gronkowski touchdown for the position, which should ease some fans worries.
But this was Julian Edelman’s day. Edelman added 110 yards and a touchdown on eight catches. He was targeted nine times, and was effective in almost every one of those plays.
Despite his touchdown and an additional long-gain, the most impressive play of the day by Edelman was nifty route on a shorter catch along the sideline. The move left Josh Norman clueless to where Edelman was headed, which was to make a great tope-tapping layout catch for a first down.
Josh Gordon added 59 yards on five catches, but his biggest potential play never happened thanks to a first-half Brady misfire.
Grade: A-
Offensive Line
At this point, we know where this offensive line is. They desperately need Isaiah Wynn back from IR later in the year to be anywhere near a great unit.
But against a talented Washington defensive front, it was impressive to see this unit plow holes for Michel and company to rush for 130 yards.
Through the air, there were several instances in which Brady had little time. Brady was sacked four times.
Grade: B-
