PFF’s Best and Worst Patriots Grades of Week 11 (vs. LA Rams)

The New England Patriots hosted the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. New England took a 7-0 lead before watching Los Angeles score 28 of the next 31 points. The Patriots made it a competitive game by winning the fourth quarter 9-0 but it was too little too late for the hosts. Kamren Kinchens’ interception on Drake Maye’s final pass attempt of the game sealed the win for the Rams.

New England played their best defensive game of the season in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears. They did not allow a touchdown and combined for nine sacks. The story against Los Angeles played out nearly the polar opposite. The Rams’ offense scored four touchdowns, and the Patriots defense failed to record any sacks.

The Patriots controlled the clock for 37:20. In the process, they became the first team to lose in 2024 while having at least 37 minutes of possession in a regulation game. Those teams are now 12-1. The Rams made more big plays, leaving the Patriots with a 3-8 record in the aftermath of another one-score defeat.

Also Read – Ten Takeaways From the Patriots 28-22 Loss to the Rams

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.

Here is a look at the Patriots who stood out, for better or worse, in Week 11 (note: players must play a minimum of 20 snaps to qualify, except for special teams):

HONOR ROLL

Six New England Patriots players earned a score of 75.0 or better against the Rams, with only one of those coming from the defense. The pass rush and offensive line were both excellent in Week 10 but no players from those spots made the honor roll a week later.

QB Drake Maye (79.4)

Despite two turnovers (one fumble and one interception), Maye played an excellent game. He completed 30 of 40 passes (75%) for 282 yards. and two touchdowns. He rushed for 27 yards on just three carries. PFF credited Patriots receivers with only one drop, though several incompletions appeared catchable.

.@DrakeMaye2 with a STRIKE to @BournePoly11‼️

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/63Q38R5LgM

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 17, 2024

CB Christian Gonzalez (78.5)

Rams QB Matthew Stafford passed for 285 yards and four touchdowns, but almost none was at Gonzalez’s expense. Stafford was 2-of-4 for nine yards when targeting the Patriots’ top cornerback. Both completions went to Cooper Kupp. It left people asking why Gonzalez wasn’t lined up opposite the Rams star receivers more frequently on Sunday. Gonzalez recorded four tackles and a quarterback hit.

WR Kendrick Bourne (77.5)

New England benched Bourne in Week 10. He responded with a strong showing in Week 11. He caught all five targets for 70 yards and scored a touchdown. Bourne picked up four first downs as well. It was easily Bourne’s best performance since injuring his ACL in Week 9 of 2023.

Other top performers: ST Jaheim Bell (77.5), ST Curtis Jacobs (77.3), ST JaMycal Hasty (76.8), TE Hunter Henry (72.8), WR DeMario Douglas (70.1).

DISHONORABLE ROLL

The players included here received grades below 60.0 for the game. Nineteen New England Patriots players fit into this group for Week 11, which continues to be far too many. This includes eight defensive players.

CB Jonathan Jones (27.1)

Jones made one tackle and recorded a pass breakup. Those were the lone positives of his performance. He allowed four receptions on six targets for 123 yards and three touchdowns. Stafford had a 149.3 quarterback ranking when targeting Jonathan Jones on Sunday.

STAFFORD TO KUPP.

📺: #LARvsNE on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/oIXIp7d8Iq

— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024

LB Christian Elliss (33.6)

On the positive, PFF credited Elliss with three tackles, two stops, and two pressures. However, he also recorded two missed tackles. Christian Elliss was in coverage for Rams tight end Colby Parkinson’s 19-yard touchdown.

S Kyle Dugger (37.9)

New England had Dugger back in the lineup on Sunday, but the safety struggled in his return. He led the Patriots with three missed tackles. He registered two assisted tackles. Dugger’s lone target in coverage resulted in a 10-yard completion.

Others who struggled: ST Demontrey Jacobs (28.0), ST Bryce Baringer (41.0), DT Daniel Ekuale (43.7), RT Demontrey Jacobs (45.1), WR Ja’Lynn Polk (46.7), LB Jahlani Tavai (48.1), DL Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (49.1), DT Christian Barmore (50.3), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (51.6), WR Kayshon Boutte (53.7), ST Jaylinn Hawkins (55.2), LT Vederian Lowe (55.8), C Ben Brown (55.9), LG Michael Jordan (56.0), DT Davon Godchaux (59.1), ST Christian Elliss (59.8).

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 (3-8) hit the road to play the Miami Dolphins (4-6) Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.