The New England Patriots fell for the first time this season in a disappointing 37-20 loss to the Ravens in Baltimore. Here are the grades for the Patriots’ offense.
Quarterback
Playing mostly from behind, Tom Brady was asked to work often out of spread formations. He went 30-for-46 for 285 yards with a touchdown and a ghastly pick to Earl Thomas on a desperate heave in the fourth quarter.
Considering his protection for some of the night, Brady maneuvered well throughout the pocket, and even attacked (and convert) on a downfield sideline shot to James White over Earl Thomas
Grade: C+
Running Back
Sony Michel and Res Burkhead combined for just eight carries (although effective), while James White carried the ball nine times because of the Patriots’ no-huddle approach in the second half.
White also ‘Moss’d’ Earl Thomas on a back fade route on the sideline on a perfect throw by Brady.
Grade: B
Wide Receiver/Tight End
A silver lining of the Ravens’ drubbing of New England was the Patriots’ usage of Mohamed Sanu, who brought in 81 yards and a score on 10 catches. Sanu moved around the formation and used his keen route-running skills — including a start-and-stop move on the touchdown — to give Brady a reliable target underneath.
Before his big fumble that changed the game, Julian Edelman added 89 yards on 10 catches, and Benjamin Watson added four catches, including a catch over the middle on a type of play-action throw by Brady that used to be reserved for Rob Gronkowski.
Grade: B-
Offensive Line
On Sunday, Brady was pressured fairly often, with a few coming from left tackle Marshall Newhouse.
The pass protection had their struggles, but the Patriots were able to create some rushing lanes through a no-huddle approach in the second half.
Grade: C
