Patriots vs. Chiefs: Full Report Card Grades for New England
The New England Patriots generally deserve the benefit of the doubt based on their impeccable track record under Bill Belichick. But after an alarmingly listless 41-14 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, alarms about this season's squad no longer appear premature.
Once again, the Patriots started slow, going three-and-out and falling behind in the first quarter for the fourth consecutive week. Running only seven offensive plays, New England possessed the ball for just over two minutes in the opening frame, as Kansas City's ball-control offense moved the chains while burning plenty of clock.
Failed third downs stymied numerous New England drives, while Kansas City's creative three-tight end package flummoxed New England, especially with Travis Kelce serving as a versatile "Joker" weapon. The Pats went just 1-of-5 in third-down conversions in the first half, allowing the Chiefs to control the ball for 18:50 of the opening 30 minutes.
Indeed, with Kansas City rolling to a 17-0 halftime lead, the Pats' first half rivaled the Week 1 second-half showing for worst performance of the season. New England failed to cross the 100-yard mark of total offense, while the defense conceded 300 first-half yards for the first time in the Belichick era.
New England's self-destruction continued in the second half, with Brady fumbling on the first two possessions and throwing an interception after the intermission. Even while reverting to a conservative run-based approach in the second half, Kansas City was still able to gash the Pats between the tackles to stifle any aspirations of a huge comeback.
Statistically, this was one of the worst Patriots losses in recent memory, somewhat reminiscent of a similarly deflating Monday night loss against the New Orleans Saints in 2009. While there is time for the Pats to avoid the same underachieving fate as the '09 squad, the early-season concerns are totally legitimate at this point.
Read on for the garish unit-by-unit grades from an ugly night at Arrowhead.
Quarterback
1 of 10
Tom Brady appeared extremely tentative early, despite reasonable protection from his line, visibly speeding up his drop and attempting difficult throws rather than working through his progressions. At halftime, Brady had thrown for just 72 yards on a putrid 4.8 yards per attempt, continuing his putrid opening quarter of the season.
Brady's play deteriorated in the second half, as he forced the ball into some tight windows in an attempt to spur a comeback. After not throwing a pick through the first three games, Brady threw two interceptions and had three total turnovers, headlining a disastrous night for the offense.
With 10 minutes remaining and New England trailing by a 41-7 tally, Jimmy Garoppolo entered the game, likely marking the earliest Brady has exited a game due to score. Since New England cannot really simplify its playbook any further, it was encouraging to see Garoppolo play well in limited reps. In his first career action, Garoppolo finished 6-of-7 for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Nonetheless, it is no longer realistic to continue making excuses for Brady. He has contributed to New England's issues as much as the porous offensive line, the lack of a running game or the limited receiving corps. While any quarterback would have issues under these circumstances, Brady has still exhibited uncharacteristically poor decision-making this season, perhaps out of frustration.
Until No. 12 stabilizes himself, the Patriots offense will remain in disarray. New England has been able to rely on their bedrock in the past, and in a difficult upcoming week, Brady will need to spur a revival himself rather than count on his supporting cast to raise his game.
Grade: F
Running Back
2 of 10
Shane Vereen received the heavy early workload, as the Pats came out in plenty of Posse/11 personnel (3 WR, 1 RB, 1 TE) to spread out Kansas City and exploit its depth issues at linebacker and safety. However, a plethora of shotgun draws failed to create traction, as the Patriots compiled just 24 yards on seven carries in the opening half.
As part of New England's game-plan-specific running back rotation, Stevan Ridley was relegated to second string against a stout Kansas City front seven. Ridley found little room on inside gap-blocking schemes, finishing with just five carries, though he did generate 28 yards.
James White also saw his first career action in junk time, compiling 36 yards on six total touches. Earlier in the game, White was part of a rare third-down conversion when he lined up in the backfield with Vereen as part of a 20/Pony package the Pats flashed during the preseason. If the Pats go heavy on backs again, White figures to have earned some more looks based on his solid showing.
It's hard to properly evaluate this unit given the disarray along the offensive line. But Vereen failed to break many tackles, illustrating how Ridley's powerful downhill style might be a better fit until the line eventually solidifies.
Nonetheless, it is disturbing to see the Patriots become a one-dimensional team. Though the Pats finished with a reasonable 4.7 yards per carry, that final figure was goosed by some big runs from White late in the game. Given how much Ridley and Vereen have struggled, it is beginning to appear as though their past success was mostly due to a much better line.
Grade: D-
Wide Receiver and Tight End
3 of 10
This unit remains severely limited, and Belichick may have marginalized the ceiling of New England's pass offense by suiting up only four wide receivers. Still, it is clear that this unit has limitations that no game-planning is going to completely eliminate.
The brightest spot from this game was Brandon LaFell's emergence as a clear No. 3 option behind Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. The slant route to LaFell is easily the most reliable concept in New England's offensive playbook at the moment, as his 44-yard catch-and-run touchdown was the offense's best play of the night.
LaFell actually finished as the Pats' most targeted receiver, as he received 10 of New England's 30 total passes. The veteran remains a bit limited by his lack of vertical speed, but as a physical possession receiver, his emergence is a welcome positive from an otherwise moribund night.
Elsewhere, Edelman had his quietest game of the year, with just 23 yards on four catches. He also appeared to stop running on Brady's second interception, as the Pats were running a "switch verticals" concept on the play. Though he remains one of the few bankable variables on the offense, even Edelman struggled against a seemingly leaky Kansas City secondary.
Gronkowski saw an increased workload, playing roughly 80 percent of the snaps while the game was still in doubt. That he stayed on for a junk-time touchdown drive likely illustrates that the All-Pro tight end is nearly at full health.
Still, considering that Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins have effectively disappeared from the roster, it is unclear where the Pats can turn for a spark. Since the start of the 2013 season, we now have 22 games of evidence that this corps is not going to add enough diversity to this offense.
Grade: D+
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Offensive Line
4 of 10
After a promising first half, this unit's second-half implosion was arguably the most disappointing development on a night full of setbacks. The new starting line of Nate Solder, Dan Connolly, Bryan Stork, Cameron Fleming and Sebastian Vollmer did not even last the first half. Both Solder and Vollmer were benched at different times for Marcus Cannon, perhaps the most jarring fact from a sobering game.
Solder has had issues with speed-rushers this season, as Tamba Hali's third-quarter strip-sack was effectively the nail in the Patriots' coffin. Despite the promising three-year start to his career, Solder has been a significant liability that requires some reevaluation.
Blaming coaching is often simplistic at best (and irresponsible at worst), but given how starkly most of the linemen have regressed, Dave DeGuglielmo deserves some scrutiny. Solder and Vollmer in particular have demonstrated clear talent and likely need only a few tweaks to restabilize their games. At this point, though, no one knows if DeGuglielmo can control a quickly sinking ship.
Cameron Fleming also does not appear ready. Though the rookie has played well as an eligible tight end in specialty packages this year, moving inside on a full-time basis is an entirely different animal.
Indeed, Fleming was responsible for an Allen Bailey pressure that led to Brady's first fumble of the third quarter. Fleming remains a promising prospect, but New England's decision to play him at right guard illustrates an alarming level of desperation.
It seems likely the Pats will have a different starting five for the third consecutive week against a terrific Cincinnati Bengals front. Given how much trouble Cincinnati gave New England's line last season, one shudders at the damage Geno Atkins and Co. could inflict on this year's unit.
Grade: F
Defensive Line
5 of 10
Chandler Jones' first-possession sack was the defensive line's high-water mark. Jones himself had issues setting the edge, as Kansas City attacked him relentlessly on outside counters. Though typically a stout run defender, the Chiefs' misdirection and cut blocks gave Jones (and the rest of the defense) plenty of issues.
Sealver Siliga's absence was glaringly noticeable, as the Patriots simply lack another viable nose tackle. After an encouraging performance against Oakland, both Joe Vellano and Chris Joneswas dominated at the line of scrimmage. Rob Ninkovich also had a rough night, failing to make an impact as a pass-rusher and losing his footing multiple times while trying to cover running backs.
Vince Wilfork was generally a positive aspect of the team, drawing a holding penalty that submarined one Chiefs drive. But the 32-year-old visibly tired, and the Patriots cannot afford to wear out their stalwart simply because of Siliga's injury. Newly signed 1-technique Casey Walker could get a look next week against a power-running Bengals team.
Dominique Easley got a look at defensive end when Chandler Jones sat late in the game, and the first-rounder fared well in setting the edge. Still, he has failed to make an impact as a pass-rusher, perhaps an expected development considering that Easley did not start practicing until the end of training camp.
This unit had taken significant steps forward after the Week 1 loss to Miami. This game was eerily reminiscent of that debacle, though, suggesting that the recent success has been largely due to opponents' incompetence.
Grade: D-
Linebackers
6 of 10
Give the Chiefs lots of credit for designing a creative offensive game plan. Kansas City not only used misdirection fakes and counters but also flummoxed the Patriots defense with three-tight end packages, trips formations and packaged plays.
All that caused the Pats' linebackers to play tentatively, creating an onslaught that allowed the Chiefs' struggling offensive line to control the line of scrimmage.
Jamaal Charles' success on the inside zone run evoked memories of Knowshon Moreno's Week 1 exploits. The Chiefs finished with 207 rushing yards on 5.4 yards per carry, but that per-play number was even worse until the end of the game, when Kansas City simply ran dive plays to run out the clock.
New England's inability to control the ground game opened up play action for Alex Smith, who was able to hit tight end Travis Kelce consistently against befuddled Patriots linebackers. Kelce's combination of size, strength and sneaky speed made him an unpalatable mismatch, as he eventually compiled 93 yards and a touchdown on eight catches.
Charles also had a particularly wince-inducing touchdown reception, burning Jerod Mayo on a one-on-one choice route matchup outside the numbers. Pre-snap motion exploited New England's underneath zones all night, illustrating some flaws in the inflexible defensive game plan.
This unit will fare fine against traditional running games, but it does not possess the lateral agility to handle option-oriented running games like the ones the Dolphins and Chiefs have presented. The Chiefs do not typically fall into that system, though they may have provided a nice blueprint for future teams to attack New England's front seven on the ground.
Grade: F
Secondary
7 of 10
For the second consecutive week, opposing quarterbacks had some success targeting Darrelle Revis. Revis conceded catches on all three of his targets, including on a critical third down in the red zone. Despite being in perfect position for a pass deflection, Revis whiffed and allowed Dwayne Bowe to pick up a first down, leading to the Chiefs' first of many scores.
Logan Ryan's regression was even more discouraging. After an impressive Week 2 showing against Cordarrelle Patterson, Ryan has struggled the past two weeks. Belichick benched the second-year corner after a sloppy first half that saw Ryan miss tackles and commit a head-shaking hands-to-the-face penalty at the end of the half that gifted a last-second field goal to the Chiefs.
Malcolm Butler played reasonably well as the new No. 2 outside corner in the second half, but like many of his teammates, he conceded some plays after slipping on the Arrowhead grass field. Butler's fearless physicality makes him a hit-or-miss proposition, but with Brandon Browner and perhaps Alfonzo Dennard returning next week, neither he nor Ryan figure to play significant roles going forward.
Patrick Chung also regressed, playing a role in the team's struggles to cover Kelce. The Chiefs' scheme stymied Chung's success as an in-the-box run-stuffer, as the safety was often wildly out of position off of play-action fakes.
Devin McCourty's solid play, highlighted by a terrific pass deflection on a Frankie Hammond Jr. corner route, saves this unit from a failing grade. Nevertheless, even New England's best unit scuffled on Monday night.
Grade: D
Special Teams
8 of 10
Matthew Slater was New England's best player in the game, perhaps with the exception of LaFell. The Pro Bowl gunner made two terrific stops on punt returns, helping flip field position after a pair of aborted offensive drives. Slater has been one of the few veterans who has lived up to expectations thus far.
Ryan Allen had his share of struggles, highlighted by a touchback that led to a 26-yard net gain. Allen did have a 59-yard punt early on, though, continuing to exhibit his strong leg that serves as a potential weapon, even if he has yet to harness his directional accuracy on a consistent basis.
Chung again served as the primary kick returner, bringing back two kicks late for a 22.5-yard average. The Pats have not really invested at this position, and considering the nearly automatic touchback rate at most locales, that is not necessarily a poor strategy.
Edelman failed to make an impact as a punt returner, though he did not receive many opportunities. New England's kick coverage was adequate, as Kansas City's return game never made an impact.
Grade: B
Coaching
9 of 10
Much like last week, Josh McDaniels began with three straight passes out of shotgun 11 personnel. Again, the Pats went three-and-out, creating negative momentum that they failed to stem the rest of the night.
McDaniels does not have much to work with, but his lack of creativity has become mildly alarming. The Patriots' tendency to abandon the run game again reared its ugly head, as the Pats attempted just 16 runs on the night, several of them coming late in the game.
New England's offensive woes on third down have become chronic, as the Patriots converted just two of nine third-down attempts.
Some of that obviously stems from subpar talent and execution, but some calls (outside draw to Vereen on 3rd-and-2) also seem questionable. The Pats are not built to shred teams out of spread formations, but McDaniels' insistence on such packages has arguably stunted the offense's potential production.
Ultimately, the Patriots were clearly not ready to play. That failure lies squarely on the coaching staff, as New England never responded to the Chiefs' early challenge. Midway through the second half, the Pats looked like a despondent team that had quit, a highly concerning sign that does not augur well for the future.
Grade: F
Final Grades
10 of 10
| Position Unit | Overall Grade |
| QB | F |
| RB | D- |
| WR/TE | D+ |
| OL | F |
| DL | D- |
| LB | F |
| Secondary | D |
| ST | B |
| Coaching | F |
| Cumulative Grade | D- |
This was as poor a game as the Patriots have played in years, so no qualms if you would rather see a failing grade. A few positive glimpses—LaFell, Slater and Garoppolo in particular—caused me to slightly bump up the final grade.
Nonetheless, it is clear the Patriots are far from a viable contender at this point. AFC East supremacy, a title long taken for granted, may only come by default if the rest of the division continues to implode. For now, New England must measure itself against Buffalo, New York and Miami, as they are not even close to true AFC contenders like Denver and Cincinnati.
There is time for that sobering reality to change. But it is becoming increasingly hard to feel confident about New England's pedigree vaulting them back up the standings. Right now, the Patriots are a broken team that needs a deep introspection to stabilize these unfamiliar doubts.
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