The New England Patriots moved to 3-0 for the seventh time during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era after their 30-14 win over the New York Jets. Here are the grades for their offense.
Quarterback
Tom Brady finished 28-for-42 for 306 yards and two scores, while also keeping his clean sheet of interceptions intact.
Brady’s downfield throw to Josh Gordon along the sidelines was certainly the throw of the day.
The GOAT has shown little signs of slowing down. And is increasing rapport with Gordon and Phillip Dorsett is something to monitor.
Grade: A-
Running Back
With Sony Michel — 9 carries, 11 yards and a touchdown — continues to struggle, Rex Burkhead has taken the reigns as the all-purpose back for now. He tallied 69 total yards and a score, while handling a team-high 11 carries.
Brandon Bolden was a surprising starter. He was in the backfield with Burkhead in two-back sets, and even caught two passes out wide in spread formations.
With James Develin out, Germany’s own, Jakob Johnson provided some blocking support at fullback.
Grade: B-
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
With Antonio Brown behind them, the Patriots top three receivers — Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon and Phillip Dorsett — combined for 198 yards and two scores on 19 catches. Brady targeted the trio on 28 of his 42 pass attempts.
Dorsett continues to have what looks to be a career year in the making. With Brown gone, Dorsett will essentially be a starter, playing in the team’s flanker role.
Gordon continues to be a heartwarming story, as the team has rallied behind him in his fight from overcoming addiction. He added a sweet downfield grab along the sidelines. That was the play of the day, and a pick-me-up for Gordon after a few drops earlier.
At tight end, Ryan Izzo added a 41-yard catch on a delay route at the line of scrimmage.
Grade: A-
Offensive Line
The Patriots have yet to create holes for Sony Michel this season, but the running game has been okay in all. The team only rushed for 68 yards against the Jets though, and Brady was sacked once and pressured a few more times.
The line is playing really well with the absences of David Andrews and Isaiah Wynn. But they could be much better.
Grade: B-
