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Notes on PFF’s Patriots grades: Week 1Titans

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The grades are out from ProFootballFocus.com for the Patriots vs. the Titans, and here are some notable tidbits:

Best offensive grade: Rob Gronkowski 4.3 (including a dominant 2.6 in run block)

Best defensive grade: Dont’a Hightower 5.0 (high marks in run d, pass rush, & pass coverage, including 3 QB hurries)

Biggest offensive disappointment: Dan Connolly -3.6 (low marks in both run and pass blocking)

Biggest defensive disappointment: Brandon Spikes -2.5 (slight below average on everything and credited with only one tackle)

Devin McCourty got a 2.9, which was better than any single score he had for all of 2011.

Jerod Mayo had 7 stops and 12 tackles, getting a 2nd place 4.5 score. Dominant in run defense and pass coverage.

Chandler Jones scored the best run defense score with a 2.9.

Ryan Wendell graded out as the best offensive lineman (1.6), the rest were about average, except Connolly.

Hernandez had a rough day run blocking, garnering a -2.4 score.

Ridley most successful off the left end where he picked up 51 yards and a 10.2 average. Second best was up the middle behind Wendell (19 yards on 2 carries).

Runs were least successful behind Connolly at RG. Seems like they were aware of this and only tried 3 times to Connolly’s B gap, and 0 times to his A gap. Clearly they were able to exploit the edges.

Would you say since Brady really started utilizing the no-huddle greatly a couple of years ago the rest of the league is finally starting to realize it’s the way to go? Same with how teams are using tightends.

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Somewhat yes, but the thing with the no huddle is that it takes a special quarterback and a group of weapons who are all on the same page as him. In theory I’m sure every team would love to run the no-huddle, but it’s just not feasible with a young and inexperienced quarterback.

The Patriots right now are on the cutting edge of offense. Brady has been in the system forever and between Gronk, Hernando, Welker and Lloyd they have four threats each with multiple years in the offense. This is a big reason why you didn’t see more of Ochocinco last year. There was no way he could process all the information quickly enough to run the no huddle.

But yes, the no huddle is the perfect antidote to teams that like to use a lot of personnel and formations on defense. It forces the defense to stay with who they have on the field, and more often than not play on their heels, reacting to the offense.

The truly deadly thing about the Pats and the no huddle is that with their four weapons they can do pretty much anything from a power run to a spread attack. The tight ends are what makes this possible, especially Gronk because he’s a fearsome blocker as well as adept receiver.

So in short, yes all teams would love to be able to do what the Patriots do, it’s just most of them don’t have the personnel at quarterback and tight end to do it as effectively as New England.

Chandler Jones up to tall task – BostonHerald.com

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Chandler Jones up to tall task – BostonHerald.com

Good breakdown from Jeff Howe on Chandler Jones’ opening game.

While Jones is viewed as the Patriots’ pass-rushing answer, he is very good against the run. He stunted inside in the first quarter to stop Chris Johnson for a 3-yard loss, and Jones also works off his blocks with ease when the ball goes in his direction. Jones’ ability against the run keeps him on the field for all three downs.