Team Grades: Patriots Continue Rolling With Workmanlike Win Over Redskins
By Gregory Hunt
The New England Patriots completed their first half of the 2015 NFL season with a perfect 8-0 record when they defeated the Washington Redskins 27-10 Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium. The win allowed the Patriots to keep pace in the AFC with the Cincinnati Bengals, who also hold an 8-0 record. The Denver Broncos are at 7-1 after a 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Offense: B
The 27 points scored by the Patriots offense was its lowest output of the season, and the second time this season New England has scored fewer than 30 points. Keeping New England from scoring even more points were two uncharacteristic giveaways in Washington territory -- a fumble by wide receiver Julian Edelman and an interception by quarterback Tom Brady. For Brady, it was only his second interception of the entire season. Brady still threw for 299 yards with touchdowns to Edelman and running back Brandon Bolden. The most explosive play of the night came on a 48-yard reception by wide receiver Brandon LaFell, who is beginning to hit his stride after a drop-filled season debut two weeks ago.
The offensive MVP for New England was probably running back LeGarrette Blount, who rushed for 129 yards and one touchdown on a career-high 29 carries. With the addition of Bryan Stork, playing his first game of the season after recovering from a concussion, New England's offensive line played its best game of the season. It did not give up a single sack, and it repeatedly opened large holes for Blount to run through.
Defense: A-
New England's defense never got much pressure on Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was sacked only once. That sack was made by defensive end Chandler Jones, who now leads the NFL in sacks with 9.5. Regardless, the Patriots kept Washington out of the end zone until Cousins completed a touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Reed with 25 seconds remaining in the game. Starting linebacker Jamie Collins missed the game due to an illness, but Jonathan Freeny played well in his place, getting a couple of tackles and forcing one fumble.
The standout player on defense was cornerback Logan Ryan, who appeared to have an impact on almost every play. He led the team in tackles with six -- all of them solo -- and he also made a diving catch of a tipped pass for his fourth interception of the year. Thanks to Ryan and the solid play of fellow cornerback Malcolm Butler, the Patriots have done an outstanding job of handling the loss of last year's starting corners, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner.
Special Teams: A-
The highlight of New England's play on special teams was a surprise onside kick by Stephen Gostkowski that was recovered by Freeny. It happened in the first quarter with New England already leading 7-0. Gostkowski was reliable as usual, as he made both of his field goal attempts and also extended his NFL record of consecutive extra points to 442. He is on pace to score 176 points this season, which would break the NFL record of 166 scored by San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers in 2011.
The return game was a little off, with Edelman and wide receiver Danny Amendola combining for a net of only 16 return yards. One punt return was negated by a holding call on safety Patrick Chung. However, the coverage game was solid, as Washington's best field position after a kickoff or punt was its own 30-yard line.
Coaching: A
Calling an onside kick in the first quarter is pretty gutsy -- although some may consider it arrogant given that the Patriots already held a lead over an inferior opponent. The offensive play-calling was remarkably balanced, with the Patriots running 39 passing plays and 37 running plays (including two kneel-downs). A touching moment was provided by defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. When running back Dion Lewis left the game with a knee injury that appeared to be serious, Patricia felt compelled to give Lewis a pep talk and a comforting hug even though Lewis is not a play on his squad.
After playing their last three games at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots will travel to MetLife Stadium next week to face the New York Giants. The Giants, who lead the NFC East with a 5-4 record, are coming off of a 32-18 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
Gregory Hunt is a Boston native and a life-long fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics. He's also particularly fond of lacrosse, IndyCar racing and women's college basketball. He currently works for Examiner.com where he serves as the Senior Manager of Content and Media Access. He also writes for Examiner.com as the New England Patriots Examiner. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
