New England Patriots Team Grades: Tom Brady Breaks Records As Rams Get Trounced
By Danny Cox
The New England Patriots were expected to win Sunday against a struggling Los Angeles Rams team, and win they did. After all was said and done, the Rams and their rookie quarterback were simply outmatched and outplayed. The Patriots won 26-10 in a contest that was never close.
The Patriots jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half and then led 26-3 before the Rams scored a late touchdown. With the victory, the team not only moved to 10-2 on the season, but Tom Brady became the winningest quarterback in NFL history with his 201st career victory.
Offense: A
Even with a well-oiled running game, the Patriots leaned on Tom Brady plenty during his record-breaking win. He ended the day completing 33-of-46 pass attempts for 269 yards and one touchdown. Eight different Patriots' players caught passes, while Julian Edelman (101 yards) and Malcolm Mitchell (82 yards) each had eight receptions.
LeGarrette Blount finished the day with 88 rushing yards on 18 attempts and one touchdown, which came on a fantastic 43-yard run that saw defenders get turned around and fall to the ground. It was an all-around balanced attack and great performance by the Patriots who didn't turn the ball over once and kept Brady protected all day.
Defense: A+
The Patriots' defense played perfectly. They held the Rams to 162 total yards, caused two turnovers and sacked Jared Goff four times. The rookie quarterback threw two interceptions and his lone scoring pass to Kenny Britt came too late.
Equally as impressive, the dominant Patriots' defense completely shut down running back Todd Gurley, who had just 38 yards on the day. His longest run was for only nine yards. Additionally, linebacker Shea McLellin was in the Rams' offensive backfield all day, while cornerback Logan Ryan could not be contained. No matter where you looked, the team's defensive players swarmed the ball and stopped the Rams instantly.
Special Teams: B-
The return game didn't accomplish much with its six total punt returns (eight return yards) and two kick returns (34 return yards). Also, Benjamin Cunningham had a decent day for the Rams, as he returned four kickoffs for 92 yards. Members of the unit have a bit of work to do this week if they wish to correct the errors they made Sunday.
On the bright side, Stephen Gostkowski had a great day, as he finished with 14 of the team's 26 points due to his four field goals and two extra points. He was dead on for the day and even hit a big 48-yard field goal.
Coaching: A
Bill Belichick and his coaching staff reign supreme again. It was a balanced attack on offense with Blount running the ball great and Brady spreading the ball around. Defensively, the Patriots simply dumbfounded Goff and kept Gurley's rushing attack contained.
The New England Patriots are 3-0 since their loss to the Seattle Seahawks and are playing incredible football right now. Next week, the resurgent Baltimore Ravens are coming to town. Regardless of how well the Patriots are playing right now, the Ravens will certainly put up a tough fight. The stage is set for a great Week 14 matchup.
