PFF’s Week 5 Best and Worst New England Patriots Grades

The New England Patriots entered Week 5 on a three-game losing streak. More discouragingly, their previous two losses were non-competitive games. Against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the game was competitive. However, it was largely competitive because both teams played poorly. The Dolphins prevailed 15-10.

Discipline was a huge issue for the Patriots, as they were penalized 12 times for 105 yards. They ran the ball effectively (19 rushes, 151 yards, and a touchdown) but didn’t run the ball enough. The penalties did not help in that regard. New England could not take advantage of very sloppy play by Miami. In the end, the Dolphins won a game that both teams deserved to lose.

Also Read – Ten Takeaways From the Patriots Week 5 Loss to the Dolphins

Following each game, Patriots Football Now posts which players received the best and worst grades from Pro Football Focus for that week. The PFF scale goes from 0-to-100. A grade below 60.0 is indicative of being replaceable by a non-roster player. Pro Bowl grades are 85.0 and higher. A look at the Patriots who stood out, for better or (mostly) worse in Week 4 (note: players must play a minimum of 20 snaps, except for special teams):

The Highlights

Only four players earned a score of 75.0 or better. Two of those are special teams players. There were more players this week with solid grades (over 65.0) but not enough. The honor roll:

ST Brenden Schooler (91.8)

Schooler continues to impress on special teams for New England. He blocked a Jake Bailey punt in the second quarter that gave New England possession at the Miami 23-yard line. Unfortunately, two holding penalties and a missed 33-yard field goal prevented the Patriots from converting the huge play into points, but Schooler did his part.

Patriots block the punt!

📺: #MIAvsNE on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/uNSd8Kklx0

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024

ST Christian Elliss (90.2)

This grade is for Elliss’ special teams performance only. He received a grade of 43.1 on defense. But his special teams work was impressive, making both of the tackles for the unit in the game.

CB Marcus Jones (78.4)

Jones quietly had a very solid game, earning the highest grade among New England Patriots defenders. He made three tackles, including two stops. Marcus Jones was in coverage on 20 plays but was targeted just once for a four-yard gain.

OG Michael Jordan (75.6)

The Patriots’ offensive line has struggled in 2024 but Jordan excelled on Sunday. Sidy Sow started in Week 4 after returning from a three-week absence but was unimpressive. Jordan got the starting nod and performed very well. He allowed one hurry and was not penalized. Jordan received a 70.1 in run blocking and an 80.1 in pass blocking.

Other top performers: WR DeMario Douglas (73.9), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (73.5), LB Anfernee Jennings (73.5), RB Antonio Gibson (73.4), LB Joshua Uche (72.9), QB Jacoby Brissett (72.5), CB Jonathan Jones (72.0), and CB Christian Gonzalez (71.5).

The Lowlights

Players written about in this group score below 60.0 for the game. On Sunday, that included 15 New England Patriots. Ten scored below 50.0, three scored below 40.0, and one even scored below 30.0. New England had too many poor individual performances to overcome.

C Nick Leverett (26.6)

In his first start as David Andrews’ replacement, things did not go well for Leverett. He committed two penalties, a hold and a false start. His pass protection was brutal, allowing ten pressures (five hurries, four quarterback hits, and a sack).

That's @zachsieler doin' his thing. 👊

📺 #MIAvsNE on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/r7TQMNUMop

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 6, 2024

LB Raekwon McMillan (34.4)

McMillan lands on the dishonorable list for the second week in a row. He played 52 defensive snaps and had 4 tackles (all assisted). In coverage, McMillan allowed completions on both his targets for 30 yards and had a missed tackle.

DE Keion White (34.5)

Committing two costly penalties ruined White’s hopes of a good grade in Week 5. He finished with two pressures, including a quarterback hit. White had two tackles and also batted a ball. But his unnecessary roughness and horse collar penalties were both blatant and avoidable. He had a missed tackle as well.

DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (35.2)

White played 37 defensive snaps. He had zero quarterback pressures, one tackle, and one missed tackle. He was a non-factor, showing up most noticeably on Alex Ingold’s touchdown run, which he was not close to stopping. It was an uncharacteristically unproductive game for the captain.

Others who struggled: P Bryce Baringer (40.8), TE Hunter Henry (42.1), LB Christian Elliss (43.1), LB Jahlani Tavai (43.4), WR Ja’Lynn Polk (44.8), PK Joey Slye (45.7), OT Demontrey Jacobs (50.0), S Marte Mapu (50.4), TE Austin Hooper (53.2), CB Marco Wilson (54.5), and DL Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (55.2).

Weekly Disclaimer

Once again, it is important to note that the grades issued by Pro Football Focus are their independent scoring of players’ performances. They do not represent the assessment of Patriots Football Now, as noted with some players above. The reports are used to offer a different perspective on the performances of players in a given game.

It will be interesting to see what changes Jerod Mayo makes to the New England Patriots lineup for Week 6 against the Houston Texans. This is a team in need of some positive changes before the 2024 season is lost before Halloween.