In a complete mismatch from the get-go, the New England Patriots destroyed the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon, easily cruising to a 51-17 victory. Tom Brady was incredible once again, tossing 358 yards and two touchdowns. He also became only the fourth player in NFL history to throw for 400 career touchdowns, with a one-yard TD strike to Danny Amendola late in the first half.
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Brady was great, the running game was unstoppable and the defense was stout. The Jaguars are not exactly loaded with talent across the board, but for the third consecutive week, the Patriots simply dominated their opponent. Are they the best team in the NFL? With Brady and head coach Bill Belichick clearly motivated to roll through the league, I think the answer is clearly yes.
Once Brady’s deflate-gate suspension was overturned, the Patriots were settled in at the quarterback position. With Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman leading the way, they also had plenty of weapons for him to throw to in the passing game.
Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) is sacked by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) and defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Defensively, the front seven looked loaded with talent after many key additions to the position group during the off season. Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Jerod Mayo make up arguably the best linebacker corps in the entire NFL, while Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard lead a talented defensive line that has much more depth than ever before.
The two major questions facing the Patriots as we headed into the 2015 regular season were the interior offensive line, and the defensive backfield. The play of both of these units have far exceeded expectations, and are a major reason why the Patriots are rolling through the competition so easily early in this season.
The offensive line may be the biggest surprise. The Patriots knew they were solid at both tackle positions with Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer holding down the bookends of the offensive line very well for many years. The interior however, was filled with unknown commodities, especially when starting center Bryan Stork was not to be ready for the season as he recovers from a concussion/neck injury.
Stork has yet to return, but the Patriots’ interior offensive line has been fantastic. Undrafted rookie Shane Andrews has stepped up and filled in admirably for Stork. In fact, he has arguably been better than Stork, who was one of the best rookie offensive lineman in the league last season. Fellow rookies Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason have also been incredible filling in at guard in a rotation with Josh Kline.
The interior offensive line was a major question mark and expected weakness for this team entering the season. With the play of Andrews, Jackson, Mason and Kline, the position group has actually turned into a strength which has helped allow the Patriots’ offense to roll through their early opponents with ease. This offensive unit does not appear to have any weaknesses.
To a lesser extent, the same thing is happening on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots knew they had a strength in their defensive front seven, but after losing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner this off season, cornerback was expected to be an issue.
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Well, at least early on, the cornerbacks have been productive. Malcolm Butler is proving that his big play in the Super Bowl was not a fluke, and the Patriots are also getting solid production out of Tarell Brown and Logan Ryan.
Bradley Fletcher has been the only consistent problem at the position, and he was a healthy inactive for the team in Week 3 against Jacksonville. Clearly, the Patriots know who they need to be playing at the cornerback position, and Fletcher is not the answer.
Obviously, Butler and company have been helped out by their surrounding cast. The Patriots have a more consistent pass rush than they have had in years, which will help the defensive backs for obvious reasons. Also, safety Devin McCourty is taking is upon himself to be the playmaker in the defensive backfield. Butler and the Patriots’ cornerbacks can play their receivers aggressively, knowing that McCourty has their backs.
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17 at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
With the team’s perceived weaknesses turning into actual strengths, the Patriots are in a great position this season. Brady has the offense rolling on a historic level, and the defense is deep, fast and talented.
The 2015 Deflate-Gate Revenge Tour is in full effect. The Patriots are a well-oiled machine, and clearly the best team in the entire NFL. I do not see a game on the remaining schedule that will not be favored in.
Make no mistake, an undefeated season is a legitimate possibility.
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