Patriots 49 Bills 21: Grading the Offense
Grading the Patriots' offensive performance from the team's 49-21 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Passing Offense:
The Patriots got off to a bad start on Sunday against the Bills without a single completion until there was under a minute to go in the first quarter. However, after starting the game 0/2, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was lights out from that point on (except for a small stretch in the third quarter). The offense scored on seven of their final eight drives, and a lot of that had to do with the Patriots passing attack. Brady finished the day 23/35 for 338 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. The passing attack also came up with big plays left and right (Green-Ellis' 59 yard screen, Hernandez' two big grabs), and aside from a late 1st half interception off a tip, was mistake free. Brady had two passes dropped, and was sacked four times.
Grade: B
Rushing Offense:
Stevan Ridley had a solid day rushing the ball for the Patriots, going for 81 carries on fifteen yards in the rookie's second career start. Ridley was stopped for a few short gains, but showed good vision, power, and burst throughout much of the game. BenJarvus Green-Ellis was strong near the goal line like usual, picking up two touchdowns on seven carries (22 yards). The Patriots also had some success on reverses, with receiver Julian Edelman picking up six yards and a first down on his one carry, and tight end Aaron Hernandez picking up 26 yards on two carries.
Overall, it wasn't an explosive running day for the Patriots, but the line opened up good holes, and the Patriots' backs did what was expected of them and a little more, giving the Patriots a nice change of pace from their pass oriented attack (which was a plus considering the team needed to dig itself out of a 21 point first quarter deficit).
Grade: B+
Overall Offensive Grade: B
The Patriots, overall, had a solid offensive output on the day. Putting up 42 total points is no easy feat. However, the Patriots failed to get off to a quick start and it really hurt them. In addition, down 21-17 in the third quarter and with a first and goal from the one, the unit failed to capitalize and score a touchdown, meaning the Patriots had to settle for a field goal and leave points on the board.
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It's more positive yardage than DDR got most games.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 5, 2012 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
Haha, yeah,
Can’t believe I was such a fan. Guess I wanted him to succeed more than he did.
Keep the faith!
I want to give the offense an A
because 42 points – without looking at any other offensive stats – screams ‘A’, but that first-quarter drought can’t be ignored completely either.
What did you think of the two end-arounds with Hernandez? It showed he got his speed back. Love the way he dekes out defenders too, and gets more out of every play.
I’m hoping Ridley saw the Ghost of Fumbles present and future, and it scared him silly enough to protect the football from here on out.l
Keep the faith!

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