PFF’s Best and Worst Patriots Grades of Week 6

The New England Patriots hoped to end their four-game losing streak when they hosted the Houston Texans in Week 6. Unfortunately for the hosts, a poor start to both halves put them in a position they could not escape. Despite the Patriots posting their highest point total of the season, Houston beat New England 41-21.

Drake Maye received his first starting assignment at quarterback for the Patriots. He had plenty of highs and lows in the game. He threw three touchdown passes but committed three turnovers. His performance landed him on neither the best nor worst of the week, according to Pro Football Focus. Just the same, it was a debut that got New England Patriots fans excited about the future.

Drake Maye DIME for his first career touchdown pass!

📺: #HOUvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/psTLjZvOoK

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

Also Read – Ten Takeaways From the Patriots 41-21 Loss to the Texans

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 6 (note: players must play a minimum of 20 snaps, except for special teams):

HONOR ROLL

Only three Patriots players earned a score of 75.0 or better against the Texans. Six others checked in above 70.0, though five of those are special teams players. New England needs more players in that top tier if they hope to turn around their fortunes in 2024.

DT Davon Godchaux (89.0)

Run-stuffing defensive tackles receiving high grades from PFF is rare. So, the 89.0 speaks to just how dominant Davon Godchaux was on Sunday. His seven tackles included six solos and six stops. Godchaux added two quarterback pressures for good measure. Godchaux played in 109 NFL games, and this is his highest grade from Pro Football Focus.

Davon Godchaux is officially the NFL leader in run stops (18), racking up a season-high six in a dominant performance vs the Texans

Whether he was at NT or odd DE, no one could block Godchaux 1v1 pic.twitter.com/tMHeNUyccr

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) October 15, 2024

WR DeMario Douglas (77.3)

Douglas appears to be a beneficiary of the quarterback change. He enjoyed his most productive game of the season. DeMario Douglas finished with six receptions for 92 yards. Douglas scored his first NFL touchdown as well. No drops for Douglas.

S Marte Mapu (77.2)

After missing the first four games of the season, Mapu had a rough start to his season in Week 5 against Miami. He bounced back in a major way against Houston. Mapu registered a huge third-down sack for New England. He excelled in coverage, allowing no receptions on two targets, and had a pass breakup.

Other top performers: ST Dell Pettus (74.3), ST Brenden Schooler (74.2), ST Curtis Jacobs (73.4), ST Jahlani Tavai (72.5), TE Hunter Henry (70.4).

DISHONORABLE ROLL

Players written about in this group score below 60.0 for the game. Unfortunately, that group includes 18 players this week. All five offensive linemen scored below 60.0. Eleven players received grades lower than 50.0, including two under 40.0. This list needs to shrink for the New England Patriots win total to increase.

CB Jonathan Jones (38.1)

On a positive note, Jones recorded three tackles with no misses. However, coverage was a problem. Jonathan Jones was targeted five times. Those passes resulted in five completions for 71 yards and a touchdown. Texans QB C.J. Stroud had a 158.3 Quarterback Rating when targeting Jonathan Jones on Sunday.

Stroud finds Dell for an opening drive TD!

📺: #HOUvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/vOTXu7GVvg

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

TE Austin Hooper (39.0)

Fumbles don’t help anyone’s grade, and Austin Hooper is no different. Unfortunately, Hooper didn’t do enough positive to offset it. He caught one of two targets for a five-yard gain before fumbling when tackled. To his credit, Hooper performed solidly blocking.

WR Ja’Lynn Polk (42.2)

Drake Maye targeted Polk three times in the game. The throws resulted in one completion for four yards. Ja’Lynn Polk was credited with one drop as well, adding to his tough afternoon.

Others who struggled: ST Marcellas Dial Jr. (42.4), OG Michael Jordan (43.3), RT Demontrey Jacobs (44.0), ST Sione Takitaki (44.5), CB Marcus Jones (46.2), DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (47.4), LB Raekwon McMillan (48.1), DT Daniel Ekuale (48.5). S Jaylinn Hawkins (50.5), WR Kendrick Bourne (51.5), ST Raekwon McMillan (54.1), RG Mike Onwenu (54.2), C Ben Brown (56.1), CB Christian Gonzalez (56.5), LT Zach Thomas (57.2).

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.

The New England Patriots play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7 in London. Will there be any lineup changes for those repeatedly appearing on the dishonorable roll for New England? Stay tuned.