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NFL 2015: Team-by-team grades

By Matt Verderame

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a touchdown pass past Houston Texans strong safety Quintin Demps (27) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a touchdown pass past Houston Texans strong safety Quintin Demps (27) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots

Grade: A

What went right: Tom Brady and Bill Belichick showed up for work. Brady is 595 passing yards shy of 5,000 and he is doing it with Rob Gronkowski and a bunch of nameless guys. Brady is in the conversation for another NFL MVP while Gronkowski continues to build on his Hall of Fame resume. Gronkowski has 1,072 yards and 11 touchdown catches, putting him in the Pro Bowl once again.

What went wrong: Not a whole heck of a lot. However, the injuries are starting to mount for New England at the wrong time. Both Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman are both trying to come back from injuries, while the offensive line is all sorts of banged up. New England is also without running back LeGarrette Blount, who has been placed on injured reserve. This will be a major factor in the cold playoff weather.

Offseason expectations: The Patriots won’t be doing much to shake things up. New England has many of its major stars locked up for the foreseeable future, so the core is ready to roll. With Brady and Belichick in tow, New England will continue to be one of the best teams in the AFC until somebody finally rises up. The Patriots are always looking to make moves, but this group is already great.

Next: New York Jets

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