Patriots Player Power Rankings: Akiem Hicks looks like another Bill Belichick trade gem
COMMENTARY
The Patriots’ front-four defensive linemen made things next-to-impossible for the Titans quarterbacks Sunday. And yes it’s “quarterbacks’’, not “quarterback’’, because they knocked Marcus Mariota out of the game with a knee injury.
But really, the Patriots’ front-four is much more of a front-six with Rob Ninkovich, Jabaal Sheard, and Chandler Jones splitting time at defensive end, and Alan Branch, Akiem Hicks, and Malcolm Brown rotating at defensive tackle. Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia choose a different combination of starters nearly every week, and the product is always the same: pressures, quarterback hits, and sacks.
“Couldn’t have envisioned it would have gone any better than it has,’’ Belichick said of his troop of defensive ends Monday.
The Patriots are leading the NFL in sacks (tied with Denver) and are third in forced fumbles. There were so many outstanding defensive performances that Sheard, Ninkovich and Jamie Collins need honorable mention.
Here are the Patriots Player Power Rankings from the 33-16 win over the Titans.
10. Joey Iosefa — Stastically, he didn’t blow anyone away. But literally, he blew someone away.
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9. Rob Gronkowski — It was an emotional day for Gronk, who dedicated his 54-yard, one-touchdown performance to his late friend. He dropped a few balls that hit him in the hands, but two of them were chalked up to pass break-ups. As always, his presence made everything easier for the Patriots.
8. Leonard Johnson — He was targeted zero times in coverage Sunday, via NESN.com. The slot corner appears to have surpassed Justin Coleman on the depth chart, playing 17 snaps over Coleman’s three.
7. Patriots interior linemen — Rookies David Andrews, Tre’ Jackson, and Shaq Mason combined to allow one sack and five of the team’s 16 hurries. That’s impressive considering they were dealing with one of the league’s best defensive tackles in Jurrell Casey.
6. James White — How has White earned Tom Brady’s trust so quickly? In the last three games, he’s caught 21 of 27 targets (78 percent) for 224 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
5. Brandon LaFell — The inconsistent receiver made some spectacular catches in traffic and finished with a team-high 88 receiving yards. Perhaps if Brady only gave him the hard ones, he’d catch them all.
4. Malcolm Butler — Butler had an easier assignment than fellow cornerback Logan Ryan, who was burnt often by Dorial Green-Beckham. But Butler took advantage of Titans wideout Harry Douglas, finished with an interception, and allowed only one reception for 10 yards.
3. Tom Brady — His stats haven’t been gaudy, but he’s still the biggest reason this team is 12-2. He finished the day 23 for 35 for 267 yards and two touchdowns.
1a. Chandler Jones, 1b. Akiem Hicks — Jones had two sacks, and Hicks had three. Former-first rounder Jones is yet another demonstration of Belichick’s drafting prowess, and Hicks looks like he’s following in a long line of mid-season trade gems under Belichick. They combined for a wonderfully chaotic touchdown.
“We were dying laughing,’’ defensive tackle Alan Branch said after the game. “The funny thing is when a big guy gets a touchdown, no matter what, it’s going to be funny because it doesn’t look normal and it isn’t regular.’’
Too right, Alan. Too right.
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Fantastic photos from Patriots vs. Titans
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