New England Patriots Stock Watch: Jonas Gray, Offensive Line Up
By Cyrus Geller
Here is this week’s New England Patriots stock watch:
Up
Jonas Gray
Gray was a beast in this one, scoring four touchdowns, and coming one yard away from a 200 yard performance. He is a powerful runner, and he is a big guy who hits the hole hard, making it tough for the defense to make a play on him. Huge day for the former Notre Dame star.
Offensive Line
Jonas Gray wouldn’t have had that kind of game if it weren’t for a dominating performance from the big guys up front. The Patriots’ game-plan from the start was to pound the rock, which is why they brought in Cameron Fleming as a sixth lineman for a good portion of the game to help. These guys blew the Colts off the line of scrimmage all game long, and opened up massive holes for Gray.
Rob Gronkowski
That block on Sergio Brown and then that touchdown reception? Are you kidding me?
Darrelle Revis
I don’t have the specific numbers in front of me, but aside from the blown coverage early in the game that resulted in a 46-yard Reggie Wayne reception, Revis completely shut down Wayne and whoever else he decided to strand on his island. This Patriots defense is one of the best in the league, and it all starts with Revis.
(Update: 1-6, 5 yards when targeting Revis)
Front Seven
The strength of this defense is obviously the secondary, but the much maligned front seven set the tone for this unit, as they held the Colts to 19 rushing yards on 17 attempts. They also were able to contain Andrew Luck for the most part, which was a key heading into the game.
Dominique Easley
We finally saw some of that explosive interior pass rush from Easley that made the Pats draft him in this one, as he got into the backfield to disrupt Luck multiple times. Hopefully he continues to build on this performance.
Kyle Arrington
Arrington was give the tough task of covering T.Y. Hilton for the majority of the contest, and he answered the bell. Yes, he had Devin McCourty helping him most of the time, but he helped take one of the most explosive receivers in football out of the game last night.
Down
Brian Tyms
Tyms started the game for the Pats, but dropped an easy pass on the first offensive play for New England. Brandon LaFell quickly replaced the 25-year-old.
Michael Hoomanawanui
Hooman continues to struggle here in 2014, as he gives absolutely nothing in the passing game, and has turned into an awful blocker. I wouldn’t be surprised to see his snaps completely decrease down the road.