Another year, another dozen — make that a baker’s dozen — of victories for the Patriots, who finished 13-3 and won at least 12 games for a league record eighth consecutive season.
It was a long and arduous road to get there.
The Patriots started 2-2 with both losses stunningly coming at home. But they overcame that slow start, multiple injuries to key personnel and a stretch of five roadies in six weeks and two countries [...]
Another year, another dozen — make that a baker’s dozen — of victories for the Patriots, who finished 13-3 and won at least 12 games for a league record eighth consecutive season.
It was a long and arduous road to get there.
The Patriots started 2-2 with both losses stunningly coming at home. But they overcame that slow start, multiple injuries to key personnel and a stretch of five roadies in six weeks and two countries to win 11 of their final 12 games and lock up the top seed in the AFC playoffs.
Credit that to a group that frequently lacked consistency, especially on defense, but not resiliency.
The Patriots were favored to repeat as Super Bowl champions in September. Nothing has changed in January, although Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Minnesota and New Orleans may have something to say about that.
In the meantime, let’s hand out the final grades:
Quarterbacks (B+)
This position is ultimately judged by wins and Tom Brady picked up 13 to extend his league record to 221. The 40-year-old GOAT led the league in passing yards (4,577), was third in touchdown passes (32) and fifth in completion percentage (66.3), making him the heavy favorite to be named NFL MVP for a third time. However, all wasn’t right in December. Yes, the Patriots went 4-1, but it had more to do with Dion Lewis and an improved defense than Brady, who threw six TDs and five picks in the final month.
Running backs (A-)
Rex Burkhead scored eight touchdowns, but missed six games due to injury. James White had 56 receptions, but strangely disappeared after Week 8. Mike Gillislee was a season-long disappointment. However, Lewis saved the day. He rushed for 896 yards and six TDs, both career-highs, and ranked second in the league with an average of 5.0 yards a carry (minimum 100 totes) while playing 16 games for the first time in his career. Fullback James Develin was selected to the Pro Bowl, so enough said.
Receivers (B-)
Brandin Cooks put up big numbers with 65 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns, but had a habit of disappearing in games. Still, the Patriots would have been lost without him as Chris Hogan (34-439-5) missed seven games due to injury. Danny Amendola was effective on third down, making 18 of his 61 receptions, but, weirdly, his productivity dropped as his playing time increased after Week 8. With 12 receptions, Phillip Dorsett didn’t provide much of a return on the Jacoby Brissett trade.
Tight ends (A/C)
Split grade here. Rob Gronkowski was stupendous, ranking sixth in receptions (69), first in yards (1,084) and second in touchdowns (8) among tight ends despite missing two games, one for his boneheaded blunder in Buffalo. Ridiculous Gronk stat: 57 of his catches (82.6 percent) resulted in a first down. He gets an A and was deservedly named All-Pro. Dwayne Allen was a solid blocker, but more was expected of him offensively than 10 catches. Rookie Jacob Hollister made his biggest impact on special teams. He and Allen get Cs.
Offensive line (B)
Despite the continuity, the O-line lacked the chemistry it displayed last season when it was one of the league’s best. Right guard Shaq Mason, who should have gotten a Pro Bowl invite, and center David Andrews were among the best at their positons in the league and left tackle Nate Solder rebounded nicely from a rocky start. But left guard Joe Thuney suffered a sophomore slump and the Patriots really missed All-Pro right tackle Marcus Cannon, who landed on injured reserve after playing seven games.
Defensive line (B-)
The Patriots ranked 20th against the run, which could pose a problem in the playoffs. Blame it on a failure to set the edge rather than the stoutness of tackles Lawrence Guy and Malcom Brown, who was immense in December. Trey Flowers gets the nod as the team defensive MVP after collecting 61 tackles and 6.5 sacks. The Patriots got a nice return from Eric Lee (3.5 sacks, interception) after signing him off the Buffalo practice squad. Rookies Deatrich Wise Jr. and Adam Butler impressed with their maturity and productivity.
Linebackers (C)
Lack of depth was a concern entering the season. Those fears became real after Dont’a Hightower landed on injured reserve after playing just five games. Kyle Van Noy did his part, collecting 71 tackles and 5.5 sacks in essentially 12 games, and Marquis Flowers was a late-season revelation with 3.5 sacks. But Elandon Roberts struggled in coverage and David Harris struggled period. James Harrison impressed in his Patriot debut with five tackles and two sacks. It remains to be seen whether he can replicate that performance.
Defensive backs (B-)
The Patriots ranked 30th against the pass, down 18 spots from a year ago, due in large part to the inconsistency of cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler. One wonders if the pressure of having (Gilmore) and looking for (Butler) a big contract affected their play. Safeties Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung finished 1-2 on the team in tackles while the oft-overlooked Duron Harmon led with four interceptions. Reserves Jonathan Jones and Johnson Bademosi were solid when called on to start as injury replacements.
Special teams (A-)
Stephen Gostkowski missed four field goals in a three-game stretch before bouncing back to make his final 18. He also excelled at placing kickoffs inside the 5-yard line, forcing teams to run them back to no avail. Ryan Allen shined situationally, dropping 41.4 percent of his punts inside the 20 to rank fifth in the league. The coverage teams ranked third on kickoffs and fourth on punts, giving the Patriots an edge in the tug-of-war for field position. Lewis ranked fourth on kick returns (24.8 average) and Amendola was a safe and solid punt returner.
Coaching (B+)
Things could have spiraled downward after a 2-2 start, but Bill Belichick’s steadfast approach didn’t allow that to happen. The Patriots won at Tampa Bay on a short week in early October and wouldn’t lose again until mid-December. Coordinators Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia should be commended for coaching up a bevy of newcomers imported during the season to plug injury-depleted positions. Finally, the Patriots went 6-2 against teams with winning records and ranked second in scoring (28.6) and fourth in points against (18.5).
Star pupils
RB Dion Lewis —The diminutive and dynamic Lewis was a true triple threat, accounting for 896 yards rushing, 214 receiving and 570 returning kicks. And he did it all with a smile.
TE Rob Gronkowski — The hulking presence that is Gronkowski put up monster numbers and, most tellingly, the Patriots averaged 29.9 points when he played and 19.5 when he sat.
Class dunces
RB Mike Gillislee — It appears the Bills knew what they were doing when they didn’t retain Gillislee, who averaged 3.7 yards a carry after leading the league at 5.7 last year.
LB David Harris — It appears the Jets knew what they were doing when they released the 33-year-old Harris, who lost more than a couple of steps in his 11th and, likely, final season.