Best and Worst Patriots PFF Grades for Week 13 vs. Indianapolis

The New England Patriots needed to rebound from one of their worst performance of the season in Week 12. New England ran the ball effectively, won the turnover battle, and led up until 12 seconds remained in regulation. However, it was not enough to pull out a victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Joey Slye’s 68-yard field goal attempt at the buzzer was right down the middle but several yards short, sealing the Patriots’ fate. New England’s red zone struggles caused them to leave 16 points on the board by halftime. Those missed opportunities would come back to haunt the home team.

Indianapolis drove downfield on an 18-play drive in the fourth quarter, finally scoring a touchdown with 12 seconds left. Their drive covered 80 yards and saw the Colts convert a third-down conversion and three other times on fourth down. Instead of kicking the extra point to force overtime, Colts head coach Shane Steichen opted for a two-point conversion attempt. It was successful, giving Indianapolis a 25-24 lead.

Also Read – Ten Takeaways From the Patriots 34-15 Loss to the Colts

Pro Football Focus Grading System

Following each game, Patriots Football Now posts which New England players received the best and worst grades from Pro Football Focus for that week’s game.

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 New England Patriots who stood out, for better or worse, in Week 13 (note: players must play a minimum of 20 snaps to qualify, except for special teams).

HONOR ROLL

Seven New England Patriots received grades of 70.0 or better against Indianapolis, even fewer than the Miami loss. This group consists of two offensive players, three defensive players, and two from special teams. It is worth noting that running back Antonio Gibson received the highest grade on the team (84.2) but didn’t play enough offensive snaps (17) to qualify.

TE Austin Hooper (81.1)

Hooper earned the Patriots’ highest PFF grade among qualified players for the second consecutive week. The tight end was targeted four times by Drake Maye. He caught all four passes, picking up 41 yards and a touchdown. He also earned New England’s highest run-blocking grade (67.6).

CB Christian Gonzalez (80.3)

Gonzalez earned the highest grade from New England’s defense. PFF credited him with allowing three receptions for 23 yards on five targets. Gonzalez made five solo tackles, including one to save a touchdown. He intercepted an Anthony Richardson pass in the fourth quarter, which gave the Patriots a chance to seal the win.

CB Marcus Jones (77.2)

New England’s cornerbacks had an excellent afternoon, in addition to Christian Gonzalez. Marcus Jones played 24 defensive snaps, including 15 in coverage. The Colts targeted him three times but completed none of the attempts. Jones added a pass breakup, a tackle, and a stop.

CB Alex Austin (77.1)

Austin is the third Patriots corner on this week’s honor roll. He played 26 defensive downs in total, 15 in coverage. Indianapolis targeted Austin six times, completing two passes for eight yards. If not for a pass interference penalty against him Austin’s grade would have been even higher, and it was a questionable call at best.

QB Drake Maye (76.0)

Maye threw one interception in the game, which was deflected and more bad luck than anything else. Aside from that, he was excellent. Maye completed 80% of his pass attempts (24 of 30) for 238 yards and a touchdown. He rushed five times for 59 yards. The rookie continues to impress.

Honorable Mention: ST Sione Takitaki (77.3), ST Christian Elliss (70.3)

DISHONORABLE ROLL

Once again, this list is far too long for the New England Patriots. The same thing was said a week ago when 14 Patriots made this list against Miami. That number grew to 22 against Indianapolis. It’s not a winning formula, despite nearly escaping with a win.

LG Layden Robinson (28.9)

Robinson started his first game since Week 9. It was the rookie’s first start at left guard, as his previous six starts all came on the right side. Unfortunately, Robinson earned his lowest grade of the season. He allowed four pressures and was called for two holding penalties. Robinson received the Patriots’ lowest run-block grade (41.1). For the record, the performance did not match the terrible grade from this perspective.

S Jaylinn Hawkins (35.6)

Hawkins played nine passing downs among his 26 defensive snaps. The Colts targeted him twice, completing both passes for 33 yards. This included their offensive gain of the day, a 22-yard completion to Drew Ogletree. Hawkins recorded three tackles with no missed tackles.

DT Davon Godchaux (41.6)

As repeated several times in this space, run-stuffing defensive tackles are generally graded unfavorably by Pro Football Focus. Godchaux received credit for four tackles (one solo) and no missed tackles. He was in on 15 passing plays and recorded no pressures, which hurt his overall score.

PK Joey Slye (45.0)

Slye missed two field goals in the game. It is tough to criticize the kicker for coming up short on the potential game-winning field goal attempt as time expired. Had it been successful, the 68-yard field goal would have broken the NFL record for longest field goal by two yards. However, his 25-yard miss with 20 seconds remaining in the first half was far less excusable. Slye did hit three field goals, including one from 54 yards out, in addition to his lone extra point attempt.

Others Who Struggled in Week 13: S Kyle Dugger (45.6), ST Jaheim Bell (45.8), LB Jahlani Tavai (48.3), DB Jonathan Jones (48.7), RG Mike Onwenu (49.2), ST Keshawn Banks (52.2), WR Ja’Lynn Polk (53.3), ST Jahlani Tavai (53.6), DL Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (53.6), LT Vederian Lowe (53.6), RT Demontrey Jacobs (55.4), ST Jaylinn Hawkins (55.9), DT Christian Barmore (56.9), LB Anfernee Jennings (56.9), DT Daniel Ekuale (57.1), ST Marcellas Dial Jr. (57.3), WR DeMario Douglas (58.1).

Weekly Disclaimer

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 examples above. The reports are used to offer a different perspective on the performances of players in a given game.

The New England Patriots (3-10) have their bye in Week 14.