Fansided

NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half

By Brad Rowland

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots

It has been exactly four weeks since there was abject national panic surrounding the New England Patriots, to the point where there were people seriously contemplating a change at quarterback for the team.

Now? Tom Brady and company are 6-2, and they stand second in the NFL in points scored at nearly 30 per game. Things are going well.

Brady has annihilated the competition over the past handful of weeks, reminding the NFL world of his Hall of Fame peak, and with Rob Gronkowski fully healthy, no one should be worried about the New England offense. The loss of Steven Ridley could hurt them down the line, but the Patriots can seemingly always plug in a competent running back, and they did not miss a beat against Chicago in Week 8.

On defense, there are injury concerns yet again, with the loss of Jerod Mayo looming large, but New England stocked up on that side of the ball in the off-season and that has been fruitful. If the Denver Broncos did not exist, the Patriots would be the favorite in the AFC, and given where they appeared to be a month ago, that is a win.

Grade: A-

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