New England Patriots Bye Week Review: Four Things We’ve Learned Through Week Four

Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots went through the summer wondering if the big story would be whether second year quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo would be behind center or if Tom Brady would be in his usual place in September. Brady has not only defeated the NFL in court, but he has come out in 2015 with a dominant start to the season.

A 72.2% completion percentage, 1,112 yards, 9 touchdowns, and no interceptions (all stats from Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise cited) is a stark contrast to Brady’s start in 2013 where fans and the media were clamoring to replace him after a slow start. A healthy Rob Gronkowski (16 receptions, 308 yards, and 4 touchdowns so far in 2014) is a big part of the offense’s success.

While the bye week was at midseason last year, the Patriots have the earliest break in 2015. While head coach Bill Belichick and the coaching staff are using this week for self-scouting, it makes sense to look back and review the previous three weeks. With so little game tape at the bye week, here are four things we have learned about the Patriots at this early part of the season.

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