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New England Patriots’ 2014 Midseason Report Card

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By @JosephMCrevier

New England Patriots' 2014 Midseason Report Card

New England Patriots
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Just when we believed the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era was in shambles, the New England Patriots went on a four-game game win streak and improved their record to (6-2) on the season. Of course, there are some minor kinks to iron out, but this Patriots team appears ready to make a major push in the playoffs this year. With a semi-easy schedule remaining, expect New England to potentially grab a top seed in the AFC.

Offense

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Offense

New England Patriots
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Grade: A

The month of October has been quite kind to Tom Brady and the Patriots' offense as they have recorded 35-plus points in three of their four games. For the season, New England is averaging a top-three 29.8 points per game, as Rob Gronkowski appears to be 100 percent for the first time in years. The injury to Stevan Ridley was devastating, but that's the team's only major flaw.

Defense

New England Patriots
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Defense

New England Patriots
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Grade: B

New England's passing defense has been brilliant this season, allowing a measly 210.9 yards through the air per game. The rushing defense has been shaky, but the defense has made up for any deficiencies by forcing a ton of turnovers, leading to a turnover ratio of +11. I expect this defense to reach its peak just in time for the playoffs, or else Bill Belichick's head will explode.

Coaching

New England Patriots
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Coaching

New England Patriots
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Grade: A

As grumpy as Bill Belichick can be, he constantly proves to us why he is considered one of the greatest head coaches of all time by demanding the absolute most out of his players. Belichick's accountability factor must really make a impact on his players as they perform at a high level week after week. The head coach even sent Darrelle Revis home for tardiness.

Special Teams

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Special Teams

New England Patriots
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Grade: A

Stephen Gostkowski has turned in yet another efficient season, converting 21 of his 22 field goal attempts thus far. It's easy to overlook a kicker's contributions, but he has boosted New England to victory on multiple occasions this year. Defensively. the Patriots' special teams prevented a last-second loss to the New York Jets in Week 7 by blocking a field goal as time expired.

Draft Picks

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Draft Picks

New England Patriots
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Grade: C

The Patriots have seen little to no production for any of their draft picks, but Jimmy Garoppolo in particular gave fans a glimpse of his tremendous upside in garbage time of Week 4. The 22-year-old out of Eastern Illinois entered the game in the fourth quarter and finished 6-of-7 with 70 yards passing and one touchdown pass. Under the tutelage of Brady, Garoppolo should be in good shape to take the reins in a few years.

Joseph Crevier covers the New York Knicks for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, @JosephMCrevier, and Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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