Patriots Player Power Rankings: Tom Brady relies heavily on James White in loss
COMMENTARY
In the Patriots’ 35-28 loss the Eagles on Sunday, Tom Brady threw two interceptions for the first time since Super Bowl XLIX. The Patriots also dropped their second straight game for the first time since 2012, the Patriots defense allowed only two touchdowns, and yet the Eagles scored 35 points.
Oh, and Nate Ebner attempted a rugby-style onside drop kick.
It was an odd game for the Patriots — mostly because Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, who are touted for sound decision-making, made some terrible decisions.
So on an odd week, it’s fitting that James White headlines the Patriots Player Power Rankings for the first time in his two-year career.
10. Devin McCourty — Tom Brady had the longest reception of the game, which is a testament to McCourty’s solid coverage of the Eagles deep threats. Unfortunately, he slipped while covering Zach Ertz, which led to touchdown.
9. Malcom Brown — The rookie defensive tackle got three hurries on Sam Bradford. He and the Patriots edge-rushers deserve credit for Bradford’s lackluster performance (14 of 24 for 120 yards and a touchdown). Brown recovered a fumble in somewhat spectacular fashion.
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8. Stephen Gostkowski — His onside kick was a hell of a lot better than Nate Ebner’s. And it led to a Patriots’ fourth-quarter touchdown.
7. Scott Chandler — In consecutive weeks, he started the game with a drop. But in consecutive weeks, he made up for it with a productive day: four catches, 61 yards, and a touchdown.
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6. Tom Brady — His two terrible decisions, which led to interceptions, cost the Patriots this football game — and he admitted it. Still, he might have brought the Patriots back to tie it in the fourth quarter, if it weren’t for three consecutive drops on the Patriots’ final drive of the game.
5. Josh McDaniels — On the first two drives, the Patriots offensive coordinator called a jet sweep to get Damaris Johnson involved, a screen to get the ball in Brandon Lafell’s (unreliable) hands, and a quick downfield pass to Brandon Bolden. McDaniels’ play-calling was solid — the execution on-field was not.
4. Patrick Chung — Chung continues to show versatility, contributing as both a stout run defender and a ballhawking coverage man. He split coverage of Jordan Matthews with Malcolm Butler, and was 1 of 2 for 20 yards with a pass breakup in coverage, according to NESN.com.
3. Jamie Collins — His forced fumble was one of the reasons the Patriots had a chance to win the game. Finishing with eight tackles, he also solidified the Patriots’ run defense with Dont’a Hightower injured.
2. Danny Amendola — After missing the previous game with a knee sprain, Amendola was third in snaps for receivers, but maximized them for a big impact with 62 yards, a touchdown, and a number of first downs, which have been hard to come by since the injury to Julian Edelman.
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1. James White — The running back, who was touted as Shane Vereen’s replacement, finally looked like Shane Vereen. He powered the Patriots’ touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, and finished with 111 receiving yards and a touchdown.
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Belichick yourself before you wreck yourself
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