Apparently, Elandon Roberts is a big BSJ fan.
After Sunday's victory over the Dolphins, I visited the linebacker at his locker room in an effort to dig out a little more information about his resurgence in the middle of the Patriots' defense. After three-straight weeks of lights out play, I dispatched Christopher Price to find out why he was suddenly playing his best football. The result was this fine piece, but Roberts wasn't all that helpful.
To me, it seemed that his improvement was directly connected to this touchdown that he gave up against the Jets:
Quarterback (5 out of 5)
Tom Brady was outstanding in this game, especially considering how much pressure he was under for much of it. I only had him for three "minus" plays: throw behind Rob Gronkowski on third down, a pass with too much heat to Dwayne Allen, and the interception. That's it. On the other side, I had him for 11 outstanding plays, including four money throws against pressure.
Then you have yet another example of the subtle brilliance of Brady. Remember that 37-yard strike to a wide open Brandin Cooks? That doesn't happen without great play design by Josh McDaniels, and subtle movements by Brady to manipulate the defenders. Really good stuff:
Running backs (5 out of 5)
Another week, another five broken tackles for Dion Lewis, who also had a very nice blitz pickup. This big run was a mixture of Lewis' skill, execution by the offensive line and down-field blocks from Gronkowski and Phillip Dorsett.
Rex Burkhead also continued his strong play, as did James Develin. ... James White continues to flounder a little bit. It's almost like he can't figure out what his role is. And for the second time this season, and on almost the exact same play, White had a chance to pick up a first down if he slipped out of a tackle, and again he fell inches short. It's those types of plays that keep him from getting more carries.
Receivers (4 out of 5)
Again, a lot of good out of this group, but also some unforced miscues (Gronkowski: false start; Cooks: drop, block in the back; Amendola: route; Dwayne Allen: screen). ... Jacob Hollister has shown indications that he's ready for more of a role now that Martellus Bennett is on injured reserve. His blocking has gotten a lot better and he has good hands. Time for a pop in playing time.
Offensive line (2 out of 5)
This may have been Nate Solder's best game of the season, with only two pressures allowed and one penalty (false start). That being said, Dolphins RE Andre Branch is not good and has been a free-agent bust. Solder also had three "plus" run blocks, as the team is letting him block more down the field. ... Shaq Mason got off to a rough start with a hit and a hurry allowed to Ndamukong Suh early, but he settled down and played well. ... Ted Karras, Joe Thuney and right tackle (LaAdrian Waddle/Cam Fleming) had really tough games. Jordan Phillips wore out Karras and Thuney, and Cameron Wake (5.5 hits, sack) had a monster game against the right tackles.
DEFENSE
Defensive line (4.5 out of 5)
Man, what a difference Malcom Brown makes in the middle of this line. After looking a little iffy against the run as Brown missed three-straight games, the stuff percentage got a big boost thanks to the powerful Brown being back in the lineup. ... Trey Flowers is just outstanding. Game in and game out, he's basically mistake-free and impactful. Can't ask for much more. ... Newcomer Eric Lee played 25 snaps and had 1.5 sacks, a half stuff and got off a block to make a run tackle. ... Deatrich Wise might be hitting a rookie wall. He was part of group with Adam Butler and Lawrence Guy that was invisible.
Linebackers (2.5 out of 5)
Kyle Van Noy continues to do a great Dont'a Hightower impersonation as the defense's inside/outside guy. Van Noy was outstanding in this game, and looks completely comfortable in Hightower's old role. ... David Harris did not play well. Missed two tackles and failed to fill a gap. ... Roberts, as we already talked about, was a bit hit and miss.
Secondary (4.5 out of 5)
Outside of Malcolm Butler's pass interference penalty and a missed tackle, this was a great secondary performance and might have been the best of the season. ... The Patriots are covering really well in the secondary of late — there aren't many places to go with the ball. ... No reason for Jonathan Jones not to continue as the team's highest-graded cornerback, but Stephon Gilmore may have gotten the edge this week on points. It was his best game of the season, including this interception.
THREE UP
Kyle Van Noy: If you squint, you might think that No. 53 is actually 54. He's doing that good of an impersonation.
Honorable mention: Stephon Gilmore Tom Brady, Eric Lee, Nate Solder, Jonathan Jones, Malcom Brown, Rex Burkhead.
THREE DOWN
Ted Karras: Besides the early snap for a touchdown, he had a rough time on three screens.
Cam Fleming: Played 12 snaps and allowed a sack and had a poor run block. Going to need a lot of help if he has to start on Sunday.
David Harris: If things don't start to get better, we might see more of Trevor Reilly.
Dishonorable mention: LaAdrian Waddle, Joe Thuney, James White.