Patriots vs. Chargers: Full Report Card Grades for New England
The sign of a championship-caliber team is one that wins despite not bringing its best game. Though the New England Patriots trailed for long stretches against the San Diego Chargers, timely situational execution from all three units resulted in a 23-14 comeback win Sunday night, one of the Pats' most satisfying of the season.
After the Patriots forced an opening-drive punt from the Chargers, the offense followed up with a deliberate 17-play drive that went 89 yards and ate up nearly eight minutes of the first quarter. But after reaching the 1-yard line on 2nd-and-goal, an incompletion-sack sequence forced the Pats to settle for a Stephen Gostkowski chip shot to take an early 3-0 lead.
The lead was short-lived, though, as the Chargers followed up with their own 11-play touchdown drive, exploiting the aggression of New England's defensive backs to take a 7-3 edge early in the second quarter. The Pats compounded the issue after the Chargers returned a Brandon LaFell fumble for a touchdown on the next drive, giving San Diego a sudden 11-point lead.
New England subsequently turned to a pass-heavy spread approach and moved the ball inside the five-yard line but again settled for a field goal to trim San Diego's lead to 14-6.
The Pats did finish in the red zone on their next drive, following a huge Brandon Bolden blocked punt; Tom Brady found Rob Gronkowski for an easy 14-yard score. The Pats had a chance to take the lead before the half, but Brady threw up a duck off his back foot for an interception, and the Chargers took a one-point lead into the locker room.
After the teams traded five consecutive three-and-outs to start the second half, the Chargers benefited from a controversial penalty on Brandon Browner that nullified a Devin McCourty pick-six. However, Akeem Ayers later intercepted a pass on that drive, preventing the Chargers from extending their lead to conclude a topsy-turvy drive.
The Patriots opened the fourth quarter with their best drive of the second half, but again they stalled out and settled for a third Gostkowski field goal to take a 16-14 lead. After forcing a punt, Julian Edelman made the play of the game, beating his man up the seam and breaking a tackle attempt to dash 69 yards to pay dirt.
The Chargers made a curious decision to punt on 4th-and-4 near midfield with just over six minutes remaining, and the Pats offense made them pay with its most balanced drive of the half. New England wound the clock down to two minutes before punting the ball back and clinched the game without allowing the Chargers to pick up a first down.
Read on for full position-by-position analysis of a critical win to move New England to 10-3.
Quarterback
1 of 10
After a couple of sleepy drives to open the game, Brady received more leeway when the Pats opened up offense on their third drive. Brady threw passes on 11 of 12 plays on the Patriots' second scoring drive, though he failed to punch the ball into the end zone, a recurring theme in the first half.
The offense was unexpectedly pass-heavy in the first half, and though Brady made his share of plays, a late red-zone interception was a crucial error. Brady lofted an easy duck under pressure, as the Chargers were able to consistently hit him with a blitz-heavy game plan.
Brady did cash in on New England's next red-zone drive, however, finding Gronkowski on a fade route over Brandon Flowers. Despite seemingly advantageous matchups, Brady didn't have much success targeting the ancillary tight ends and running backs, as Tim Wright and Shane Vereen combined for just 30 yards on three receptions.
Throughout the second half, Brady's performance was reminiscent of his Week 4 disaster against the Kansas City Chiefs. Every blitz San Diego dialed up worked, and Brady visibly experienced happy feet in leading four consecutive three-and-outs to start the half.
But the passing game experienced more fourth-quarter success as the pass protection improved, and Brady hit the game-clincher to Edelman on their bread-and-butter play-action seam concept. He even had a key third-down rushing conversion late in the fourth quarter to help burn more time off the clock.
The stats were just adequate, as Brady finished 28-of-44 for 317 yards, two touchdowns and a pick on 7.2 yards per attempt, but excellent situational execution in the final frame bumps the final grade up a bit.
Grade: B
Running Back
2 of 10
The Patriots had a bit more balance among LeGarrette Blount, Shane Vereen and Jonas Gray, though the latter two once again saw the majority of the snaps. Despite facing a light San Diego front seven, this unit was a bit under-utilized in the opening half, as the Pats called just 15 rushes compared to 25 pass plays.
Blount in particular had issues in the red zone, getting stuffed on two first-down runs inside the 5-yard line. That Josh McDaniels did not go back to the bruising back on either drive seems like a case of questionable play-calling, but it's still disappointing that the Patriots were not able to punch the ball in with their heavy offensive personnel.
Indeed, Blount was unable to get much going until ripping off a 23-yard run on the final offensive drive (excluding the end-of-game kneeldowns). Blount's 3.3 yards-per-attempt average was his worst since returning to Foxborough, and on the whole, the Patriots averaged just 3.1 yards per attempt.
Vereen and Gray combined for only three rush attempts, picking up 10 yards total. Vereen had just a single carry, as his marginalization in the running game has become an unmistakable and curious theme over the last few weeks.
Part of the running backs' struggles are tied to the offensive line, which had fits with San Diego's linebackers the majority of the game. Still, considering that the Pats clearly intended to employ more power personnel, based on the packages they used on the first drive, the need to deviate from the game plan was in part related to this unit's inability to pick up key conversions in short-yardage situations, particularly near the goal line.
Grade: C+
Wide Receiver and Tight End
3 of 10
Julian Edelman's pregame status appeared shaky after the diminutive receiver aggravated a quad injury last Sunday. However, in generating team highs with eight catches, 12 targets and 141 yards, "Minitron" proved that he remains one of the most dependable and toughest performers on the roster.
Edelman did most of his damage in the fourth quarter, as he was often the primary target on three-step drop concepts. His 69-yard touchdown was the game's biggest play, as he beat his man up the seam and broke a tackle attempt from safety Marcus Gilchrist, sprinting nearly half the field into the end zone to give New England its biggest lead midway through the fourth.
Ironically, the initial game plan didn't appear to feature Edelman. The Patriots utilized heavy multi-tight end packages, as 13 of the 17 plays on their opening drive featured either two or three tight ends.
Even when New England spread things out, Gronkowski and Tim Wright often found themselves in the slot or split out wide, an indication of the Patriots' desire to exploit San Diego's lack of viable coverage linebackers and safeties (outside of Eric Weddle).
Gronkowski did experience some success, accruing 87 yards and a touchdown on eight catches. But the Patriots mostly lacked a perimeter presence, as Brady repeatedly missed his receivers on back-shoulder fades and out routes. Against a San Diego secondary that looked shaky at cornerback, it was frustrating not to see the perimeter receivers win more one-on-ones.
LaFell had his roughest game in over a month, as his second-quarter fumble resulted in a Darrell Stuckey return touchdown that gave the Chargers their biggest lead of the game. With just four catches on nine targets, LaFell was strangely inefficient in a favorable matchup against Shareece Wright.
Grade: B
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Offensive Line
4 of 10
Nate Solder had issues throughout the evening with bendy Chargers edge-rushers Melvin Ingram and Dwight Freeney, especially on speed moves such as swims and spins. The hulking left tackle has always had issues with speed rushers, but given his consistent struggles with them this season, one wonders if his footwork needs an overhaul at some point this offseason.
Ingram in particular gave the entire offensive line fits, lining up along both edges and occasionally in the interior as well. Solder recovered well in the second half, but the likes of Ryan Wendell and Dan Connolly gave up consistent pressure to Corey Liuget and blitzers from the second level.
The pass-protection issues partially stemmed from the play-calling imbalance, as the Chargers clearly developed a rhythm in getting off the snap and pressuring Brady. But the line generated that handicap in the first place by failing to block Ingram and the rest of the San Diego front seven in the ground game.
The Patriots have faced two consecutive undersized fronts in Green Bay and San Diego, yet haven't generated consistent space for the running backs. It's unclear if this is an anomaly, as it comes on the heels of two excellent performances against Indianapolis and Detroit. The Pats face three superb fronts during the AFC East-ending portion of their stretch, so we should receive answers over the stretch run.
A solid recovery in the fourth quarter bumps this unit's grade up, but overall, the blocking was clearly a large factor in the offense's struggles.
Grade: C
Defensive Line
5 of 10
Ever since Chandler Jones' hip injury, generating a pass rush without blitzing has been akin to seeing a unicorn for the Patriots. Though the Chargers' offensive line is injury-marred and not particularly talented, it was still refreshing to see New England put consistent pressure on Philip Rivers in its best pass-rushing showing since Jones' injury.
While the rush was inconsistent early, this unit came up with some timely plays when needed, particularly on third down. Rob Ninkovich continued his steady workmanlike effort, picking up a sack on 3rd-and-2 to end a drive. Ninkovich now quietly has seven sacks on the season, and combined with his steady run defense, he remains an extraordinarily valuable player to the defense.
Akeem Ayers also came up with the biggest defensive play of the game. When San Diego appeared on the verge of extending its lead amid a penalty-laden drive for the Pats, Ayers dropped into coverage and picked off a Rivers pass to bring the Chargers' momentum to an abrupt end. The pick was reminiscent of Ninkovich's pick against Denver, as it came on a similarly well-disguised coverage concept.
Sealver Siliga's return provided the interior line with much-needed beefy depth, and it clearly made a difference. After Eddie Lacy gashed them at times last Sunday, the Patriots limited the Chargers to 53 yards on 3.1 yards per attempt. Siliga also split a fourth-quarter sack with Chris Jones, while Alan Branch had some key run stuffs in limited snaps.
This unit has mostly been responsible for run defense over the past two months, but in defeating a shaky Chargers O-line, the Patriots' defensive success began in the trenches.
Grade: A
Linebacker
6 of 10
Jamie Collins played his best game of the season, exhibiting his ability as an all-around force. Collins had increased leadership responsibilities, taking over the "green dot" helmet from the inactive Dont'a Hightower and leading the huddle. Collins generated two sacks on A-gap blitz calls, while also leading the team with nine tackles (including three for loss) and providing mostly sound coverage.
The A-gap blitz has been a theme in these write-ups all season, and while the two sacks were the most obvious illustration of its impact, New England's blitz looks clearly flustered Rivers throughout the game. There were multiple instances in which the linebackers dropped after showing pressure, taking away Rivers' first read and forcing checkdowns.
Jonathan Casillas picked up the slack in Hightower's stead, starting and playing most of the snaps in sub-packages. Casillas came up with five tackles, tied for second-most on the team, helping minimize the drop-off without Hightower. It's hard to imagine where this front seven would be had the Patriots not traded for Casillas and Ayers midseason.
Despite a couple of early struggles, the linebackers were mostly able to limit Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green, an impressive feat. The Pats did use bracket coverage with the safeties, but it was still an excellent performance to limit what ostensibly appeared to be San Diego's biggest offensive advantage.
Coupled with a career game from Collins, this unit's grade is a no-brainer.
Grade: A
Secondary
7 of 10
Darrelle Revis continued his All-Pro level of play, shadowing and shutting down precocious San Diego receiver Keenan Allen. Allen did not even draw a single target in the first half, and Revis ultimately allowed no catches on just a single target in what was one of the season's most dominating cornerback performances.
The Pats utilized Browner on big "X" receiver Malcom Floyd. San Diego used Browner's aggressive press coverage against him, as a double-move from Floyd beat Browner for a touchdown in the second quarter. Floyd ended up with 54 yards on three catches, so while Browner limited the volume of damage, most of the Chargers' biggest offensive plays came when targeting him.
Browner was also involved in the game's most controversial play, as a helmet-to-helmet call on Green nullified McCourty's pick-six. It appeared as though Browner led with his shoulder on a textbook hit, fueling Bill Belichick's constant pleas to challenge all plays. With two 15-yard penalties, Browner continues to marginalize some of his coverage with head-shaking penalties.
Kyle Arrington rebounded from some health issues the past two weeks to play the majority of the defensive snaps, generally lining up across from slot receiver Eddie Royal. Arrington committed a bone-headed tripping penalty on 2nd-and-29 to extend a Chargers drive near the end of the second quarter, but he was largely adequate in limiting Royal to just two catches on five targets.
Patrick Chung and Tavon Wilson did a fine job as hybrid linebackers, often covering Green and Antonio Gates. San Diego's tight ends caught seven of 10 targets, but they generated just 49 yards between them. Against an explosive and versatile Chargers offense, this unit was arguably the most valuable component in helping the Patriots weather some offensive struggles to provide an opening for the fourth-quarter comeback.
Grade: A
Special Teams
8 of 10
Brandon Bolden's blocked punt was the big play the Patriots needed to stem San Diego's second-quarter momentum. Down eight, Bolden blocked a punt that resulted in Mike Scifres' injury, resulting in field-position advantage for the Pats the rest of the game.
Obviously, seeing an opponent injured is no reason for celebration, but Bolden's block was an underrated game-changer in retrospect, especially when considering that the offense's first touchdown came on the subsequent drive.
Apart from that, the punt-return game was mostly average overall, as Edelman and Amendola averaged just five yards on four combined returns (more on that in a second). The punt-return blockers also picked up yet another penalty, again on Malcolm Butler. In the kick-return game, the Pats averaged 20.3 yards on three attempts (two by Amendola, one by Matthew Slater).
The kicking and coverage units were excellent, however. Gostkowski made three short field goals, while Ryan Allen flipped field position when four of his five punts landed inside the 20-yard line. In addition, Keenan Allen had just seven yards on two punt returns, as both Matthew Slater and Brian Tyms came up with key tackles.
Grade: A
Coaching
9 of 10
The biggest criticism surrounding Josh McDaniels has been his tendency to abandon the run when the Pats get down, even if it's early in the game. Sure enough, after emphasizing power personnel on the first two drives, McDaniels immediately turned to empty sets when the Patriots went down by 11, abandoning the run for large stretches of the second and third quarters.
Passing the ball isn't necessarily a bad thing in itself, of course, especially when Brady is the quarterback. But given San Diego's success pressuring Brady, one could blame McDaniels for not calling enough plays to counter that aggression, such as screens or draws with Vereen.
Most distressing was the run-pass-pass sequence the Pats adopted on two first-half drives inside the Chargers' 5-yard line, which resulted in a pair of red-zone field goals.
McDaniels deserves some credit for the offense generating 10 points in the fourth quarter, especially on the Edelman touchdown. Still, his play-calling got a bit too cute at times (failed screen to Gronk, sabotaged reverse to Edelman, etc.), as he struggled to find a rhythm, much like his players.
But the defensive game plan was one of the Patriots' best of the season, nullifying much of the offense's struggles. Rivers never cracked New England's constantly shifting fronts and tight coverage. After Green Bay exploited the Pats by attacking secondary targets, no Chargers receiver had more than five catches or 54 yards, illustrating how New England limited any individual production.
Belichick also made a heads-up situational adjustment in putting two punt returners back when Nick Novak took over for an injured Mike Scifres, which resulted in Amendola fielding two short punts to save the offense some field position. The excellent defensive approach largely cancels out the offense's struggles, resulting in a solid overall grade for the coaching staff.
Grade: B+
Final Grades
10 of 10
| Position Unit | Final Grade |
| QB | B |
| RB | C+ |
| WR/TE | B |
| OL | C |
| DL | A |
| LB | A |
| DB | A |
| ST | A |
| Coaching | B+ |
| Cumulative Grade | B+ |
The Patriots are likely going to need to win games like this in the postseason, as it's improbable to ask any team to steamroll over three elite foes. That the Pats were able to play their best sustained stretch in the fourth quarter, despite some tenuous moments, illustrates plenty about this squad's character.
Moving forward, there are absolutely some concerns. The running game has regressed since Jonas Gray's monster effort three weeks ago, while the offensive line has had pass-protection issues two games in a row. Still, these do not look like crippling long-term issues, but rather some short-term blips that are inevitable in a 16-game season.
Ultimately, the Patriots survived their toughest remaining test of the regular season and remain firmly in control for home-field advantage in the AFC. New England has shown the ability to win through a variety of different game styles, an encouraging proposition as the Patriots continue attempting to peak for January.
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