Rookie watch: Marcus Jones stars once again for Patriots

Each week it seems that Marcus Jones does something new for the Patriots. First, there was the punt return to beat the Jets. Then there was the touchdown reception against the Bills in his offensive debut. This week, it was the first defensive touchdown of his young career, making him the first rookie in NFL history to score touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams. Unfortunately, the Patriots could have used a few more touchdowns in order to defeat the Bengals and help their playoff chances. Here’s how Jones and the rest of the rookies performed on Saturday.

Marcus Jones, B+

Jones did a bit of everything for the Patriots on Saturday as he led the team (and set a career-high) with 14 tackles, including two for loss. He returned three kickoffs for 65 yards, two punts for 11 yards and caught one pass for 15 yards on the Patriots’ final drive of the game. His biggest contribution, however, was this pick-six which brought life to the Patriots.

So why only the B+ grade? Well, with Jack Jones and Jalen Mills inactive, Marcus Jones drew the start and the tough matchup the Bengals receivers that came with it. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow was a perfect 10/10 throwing Jones’ way for 163 yards.

Pierre Strong, B-

With Damien Harris inactive once again, it looked like Strong was going to be in position to improve upon his previous two games. Unfortunately, the Patriots fell behind early and abandoned the running game for most of the afternoon so Strong did not record a single carry. He did, however, catch both balls thrown his way for 10 yards and contributed with a tackle in the kicking game.

Kevin Harris, C+

Like Strong, there wasn’t much of an opportunity for Harris in the running game on Saturday as he got one carry for three yards. Unlike Strong, however, Harris was not used in the passing game and saw just four snaps on offense.

Brenden Schooler, C

Schooler got injured early in the game but was able to return after only missing a few possessions. However, he failed to record a special teams tackle once again this week.

DaMarcus Mitchell, C

Mitchell played 22 snaps exclusively on special teams but did not record a single stat.

Cole Strange, C-

A week after playing well in Las Vegas, Strange struggled with the Bengals defensive line. The Patriots only ran for 61 yards, with 29 of those coming from a Kendrick Bourne end around while Mac Jones was sacked four times.

Tyquan Thornton, D

We’ll see what Thornton can do in the last two weeks of the season but so far, it’s been an underwhelming rookie season for him. Much has been made about the Patriots lack of downfield throws but when given the opportunity to make a big play on Saturday, Thornton let the chance slip right through his hands. He ended up with one reception for eight yards on only three targets.

Incomplete: Bailey Zappe

Inactive: Jack Jones, Sam Roberts