Patriots Report Card: BenJarvus Green-Ellis Earning Title of Most Underrated Player in NFL

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots held serve at home in Sunday’s crucial game against the Jets. After improving to 4-1 and building a two-game lead over their rivals, they’ll set their sights on the Cowboys before hitting the bye week.

It’s time to hang this one on the refrigerator.

OFFENSE

Jeff Howe: B

Tom Brady seemed to be a little irritated after the game, and it was likely because he wasn’t thrilled with the offensive consistency. And while they struggled throughout the game, they still found a way to score 30 points, which is scary.

What grade would you give the Patriots offense against the Jets?

DEFENSE

Jeff Howe: B

The defense had its best game, for sure, but it couldn’t close out the Jets in the fourth quarter. New York’s 85-yard touchdown drive included two third-down conversions and a touchdown after a defensive timeout. Still, there was some progress.

What grade would you give the Patriots defense against the Jets?

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jeff Howe: B

Stephen Gostkowski was perfect on three field goals. Zoltan Mesko was pretty solid with a 41.3-yard punting net. And the Patriots got by without returner Julian Edelman. But Joe McKnight‘s momentum-turning kickoff return in the second half burns this grade a little.

What grade would you give the Patriots special teams against the Jets?

COACHING

Jeff Howe: A

The Patriots clearly had a good week of preparation, and Bill Belichick‘s staff deserves credit for winning two crucial challenges. They appeared to be easy calls to make, but they won them nonetheless.

What grade would you give the Patriots coaching against the Jets?

JETS

Jeff Howe: B-

The Jets aren’t bad, but they sure aren’t good. They can get after the quarterback on defense, but they can’t stop the run and allowed Brady to throw for 321 yards. The Patriots deserve credit for some of the Jets’ struggles Sunday, but they’ll be better next month when the two teams meet again.

What grade would you give the Jets?

GAME MVP

Jeff Howe: BenJarvus Green-Ellis

He had a career-high 136 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns, and he had 59 yards on 10 carries, including two first downs, during the Patriots’ final drive.

Who was the game MVP?

UNSUNG HERO

Jeff Howe: Rob Gronkowski

The tight end admitted he wasn’t certain he’d play Sunday after waking up sick, but he played a key role in the run game. That’s all about effort right there, and the Patriots needed everyone to step up offensively.