Editor’s Note: Andy Gresh will be part of The Providence Journal’s Patriots coverage for the season. “Gresh’s Grades” will appear each week in print, on providencejournal.com/sports, and on 630wpro.com following a Patriots game.
That’s more like it. For the first time in 2018, the New England Patriots looked like ‘The New England Patriots’. I don’t think the Miami Dolphins are a bad team, but they can’t figure out how to win in Foxboro. Once they slid into the quicksand down 17-0, they had no chance.
QUARTERBACK— B
When those around Tom Brady do their jobs, he can do his. I ding him here because of the 2 interceptions. The first one, he got duped. Looked like man coverage, but the cornerback passes the receiver to the safety and then made the snag. The second one was being greedy and Fitzpatrick made the easy pick. Brady needs to clean up the turnovers. NOW. But boy is he tough and stands in there to throw TD passes.
RUNNING BACKS— A+
I wrote last week about Sony Michel and his promise, and it was on full display Sunday. He’s a tough runner with burst. Watch how he finishes runs. Always pushing for more. And James White contributed in the passing game. The run game. And the setting picks game. (See Patterson touchdown) And a nod to James Develin for knocking fools down all day long.
WIDE RECEIVERS— B+
Much better at getting separation. When Dorsett and Hogan are 3rd and 4th, respectively, as options during a play, this team will be in business. Dorsett gets better and better. He understands the offense and is playing with confidence. Josh Gordon did a nice job. If he can stay clean and earns Brady’s trust, he can have a big second half. Patterson is progressing nicely.
TIGHT ENDS— B
Gronk was his usual self. Open when not double teamed, and good in the run game. Much better performance from Dwayne Allen. Helped in securing the edge on some run plays, did a good job hustling on a Patterson fly sweep, night and day performance from Detroit.
OFFENSIVE LINE— A-
So many good things in the run game. Trent Brown securing the edge, toss to the right with Marcus Cannon out front leading the way. The runs up the middle for both Michel and White in the draw game highlighted both guards athletic ability. Brady took some hits, but a really solid bounce back from this group against some good pass rushers.
DEFENSIVE LINE— A
Last week, they all stunk. This week, they all played very well. Winning the battle on first down started with these guys. Shelton was stout. I thought Flowers and Wise were very active. Plus with Miami in so many 3rd and longs, this group was able to pin their ears back and rush, producing 5 QB hits.
LINEBACKERS— A-
Hightower back in the middle just looks natural for this defense. He plays so well when there are bodies in front of him and he’s running downhill. Van Noy has been active on the edges and he really produced this week. Great job of stealing the ball from Tannehill.
SECONDARY— A+
Far and away the best performance of the year. And I don’t care what really happened after 31-0. The down and distance helped these guys all day. But they won on 1st down allowing little to no separation from the Miami wide receivers. They tackled well in space. And I like J.C. Jackson. He competes a lot like Malcolm Butler. Having Chung back restored order back there and allowed everyone to excel in their usual roles.
SPECIAL TEAMS— B-
The return teams allowed some yards especially the 2 punt returns, each for over 10 yards. That shouldn’t happen. Kickers did a good job. Just need to shrink those return yards and find a way to work on tackling, even though you can’t practice it.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
1) Gronk’s ankle can’t be compromised this week. If he can’t go, don’t push it.
2) I think Edelman will be involved early vs. Indianapolis and everything will open up for this offense.
3) I think what we saw from the defense against Miami, is about the best they can play. Which was pretty awesome at times. I don’t expect this every week, but its nice to know this kind of dominance is in them.
“The Gresh Show” airs each weeknight on 99.7FM and AM 630 WPRO from 6 to 9 p.m. Article originally posted to The Providence Journal on Sep 24, 2018.
