New England Patriots Quick Thoughts: Offensive Line Shines, Bradley Fletcher Struggles

Here is who shined, and who struggled in today’s game for the New England Patriots.

Offensive Line

Are you kidding me? The Patriots just went up against the best defensive line in football, and their offensive line absolutely dominated that matchup. Tom Brady had all day to throw the football, as that is a chief reason why he was able to throw for 466 yards. Brady dropped back 59 times, and the offensive line gave up one sack. And keep in mind this was without two interior starters. All of a sudden the offensive line has become a strength of this team.

Dion Lewis

Lewis is the newest running back to explode in the Bill Belichick system, as he finished yesterday’s game with 138 total yards and a touchdown. He is incredibly shifty, he is tough to bring down, and he is good in pass protection as well. The Patriots always have productive third down backs in this offense, and Lewis will be a dynamic force all year long that opponents will have to gameplan for. However Lewis will have to cut down on the mistakes, as his first half fumble allowed Buffalo to get back into the game.

Front Seven

Eight sacks of Tyrod Taylor speaks for itself, as the defensive front mauled the Bills for the majority of this game. Chandler Jones finished with three sacks, Jamie Collins had 2.5, Rob Ninkovich had one, Alan Branch had one, and Dont’a Hightower added half a sack. This front is a force to be reckoned with going forward, particularly once Dominique Easley returns.

Aaron Dobson

It is nice to see Dobson getting involved with Brandon LaFell out, as Dobson reeled in 7 receptions on 8 targets for 87 yards. With another receiving threat emerging in Dobson, this offense is going to be impossible to defend once LaFell returns.