Quarterback – B
In his seasan debut, Mac Jones showed why Patriots fans shouldn’t count him out yet. Jones had a spectacular first game, throwing for 316 yards and setting a career-high in completions (35) and attempts (54). Although Jones struggled in the first half, he turned it around after halftime. However, Jones agrees he let his team down on Sunday and “played his worst” in the most critical moments.
Jones threw a pick-six on the Patriots first offensive possession of the game. The throw was high for Kendrick Bourne and bounced off his hands, causing safety Darius Slay to intercept and return the ball.
The former Alabama quarterback had two chances to win the game late for the Patriots but came up short. With just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter and down five, Mac Jones led the Patriots down the field and executed 90% of what would be a fantastic game-winning drive; however, on fourth-down on the Eagles 15-yard line, Kayshon Bouute couldn’t keep both feet in down, on a throw from Jones.
On the positive side, Jones looks more comfortable in the 2023 Patriots offense and opened up the playbook. His three touchdowns in the endzone looked like his best touchdown throws since his rookie season. He spread out the ball and moved around in the pocket. It could have been better for the quarterback, but Jones did enough to win the Patriots the football game.
Running backs – B
The Patriots’ running game wasn’t effective, only rushing for 61 as a group. To be fair, the offensive line wasn’t at full strength, operating with two rookies against a tough Eagles defensive line. Subsequently, Rhamondre Stevenson only totaled 25 yards on 12 carries, and Ezekiel Elliott could only record 29 yards on 7 carries.
It was Elliot’s first game in a Patriots uniform, but his 13th contest going against the Eagles. The former Pro Bowl running back could have had a better start, as he had a costly fumble in the first quarter. Jones threw a screen to Elliot, but he lost control of the ball. Linebacker Zach Cunningham recovered. The Eagles would turn the fumble into three points. It was the veteran’s first fumble in 405 touches.
After the game, Eliott talked with the media, explaining the mistake.
“First thing that I think of is just protecting the football,” he said. “That’s not acceptable, putting the ball on the ground. So, I have to get back into the lab, lock in on the fundamentals, lock in on keeping that ball nice and tight, and get ready for next week.”
Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson raised the position grade based on his strong receiving totals. Stevenson registered six receptions for 64 yards, including one catch going for 32 yards in the fourth quarter. At times last year, Stevenson struggled in the receiving game, but the hope is he can be a safety blanket for Mac Jones. Stevenson and Elliot averaged 2.8 yards per carry, which needs to improve next week.
Wide receivers – C
With DeVante Parker out, rookies Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas saw an increase of snaps. However, the receiver group was iffy on Sunday. Between a pass bouncing off Kendrick Bourne’s hands and Kayshon Boutte struggling to keep his feet in bounds, the receivers were inconsistent.
On the other hand, Bourne hauled in two touchdown passes, and Deamario Douglas shined in his rookie debut. The rookie receiver had four catches for 40 yards, including a 23-yard catch. The drops were worrisome, with JuJu Smith-Schuster having a couple bad drops.
There were just too many costly drops that could have changed the trajectory of the game.
Tight Ends – B
Hunter Henry looked like his 2021 sef and the first-time team captain, finished the day with 56 yards on five catches and a touchdown. Although, Henry had a significant drop and a penalty that negated a big play. Henry ended the day with five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Gesicki caught all three targets for catches, racking up 36 yards. Unlike the 2022 offense, Bill O’Brien utilized 12 personnel several times on Sunday (two tight-ends on the field). Along with Henry and Gesicki, there were times Pharoah Brown was on the field at times as a blocker.
Hopefully, The Patriots will be productive in how they use both their tight ends on the field this season.
Offensive line – C+
Despite not having both starting guards, the Patriots’ offensive line performed well. Rookies Sidy Sow and Atonio Mafi filled in for Cole Strange and Mike Onwenu and held up well against an elite defensive line. Mac Jones had plenty of time in the pocket when he was throwing. However, the offensive line struggled in the run game. Since the Eagles weren’t worried about the Patriots running the football, they could focus more on Mac Jones.
Since the Patriots had trouble running the football, play-action was a rarity. Jones was only sacked twice, but the sacks came at crucial parts of the game. Looking at individual performances, Trent Brown and Calvin Anderson stood out, as they had acceptable games. When the Patriots get their starters back, the overall consistency should improve.
Defensive line – A
On Sunday, one of the best units for the Patriots was the defensive line and pass rush. Aside from constantly putting pressure on Jalen Hurt’s face, they shut down the Eagle’s offense. The defensive line completely neutralized the Eagle’s run game. Philadelphia struggled running the football, only averaging 3.9 yards per rush and totaling 97 yards on the ground. These numbers were partly due to Davon Godchaux and Lawrence Guy controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting the run up the middle. Veteran Deatrich Wise also played a tangible game but accumulated two penalties.
Rookie Keion White had an outstanding debut, only playing a few snaps. In the passing game, the Patriots defense helped force incompletions. The Patriots are playing a tough Miami Dolphins next week, and they will have to continue their strong pass rush.
Linebackers – B
Picking up where they left off last season, the Patriots linebackers did not disappoint. Matthew Judon seems in middle-season form, recording a sack when the Eagles were in the red zone. Judon also registered a tackle for loss. Along with Judon’s newly acquainted team captain, Ja’Whaun Bentley had nine tackles and a TFL and played all 66 snaps on the defensive side of the ball. Josh Uche added a sack and constantly pressured the Eagles backfield.
A big reason the Eagles were held to 18 offensive points was because the linebackers have excellent games. The Eagles were held below 100 rushing yards for the first time since the middle of last season.
Defensive backs – A+
The Patriots secondary showed out against the Eagles and prevented long passes from Jalen Hurts. There were only three passes attempted that went over 30 yards, and none of those passes were completed. That was partly due to Christian Gonzalez’s strong effort. The rookie corner had the strong task of guarding A.J. Brown for most of the game.
Meanwhile, safety Jabrill Peppers had the play of the game when he forced Jalen Hurts to fumble the football late in the second half. Along with Peppers, fellow safety Kyle Dugger also played well but picked up a holding penalty. Versatile linebacker rookie Marte Mapu also played some defensive back. It’s safe to say in the first game without three-time Super Bowl champion Devin McCourty.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
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