An absolute gimme as you looked at the schedule has developed into an absolute dogfight, 13-10 at halftime.
The officials have truly helped out the Pats, with a phantom holding call, stunting one drive and a facemask flag picked up on another. The penalties for the half, three big ones on the Rams for 23 yards and you’re absolutely, impeccably flawless Pats, 0 for 0.
Here are the halftime grades for the home team.
Offense
Line (A) … Cassel’s had light years to throw, and the holes are there in the running game.
Backs (B-) … Tough to expect anything out of BenJarvus Green-Ellis (5 for 10). Cassel leads all rushers. Kevin Faulk is, well, Kevin Faulk.
Receivers (B) … I’m so sold on Wes Welker, man, the guy is a true pro. Randy Moss nearly got him decapitated with a whiff on a block on a slip screen pass.
QB (B-) … Cassel is an A with no pressure on him and a D when any defender comes within the same zip code.
Defense
Line (C+) … The pressure is there, but the Rams have had their way in the running game.
Linebackers (C+) … Again, this is the Rams here.
Defensive backs (C-) … Huge play by Ellis Hobbs drilling Pittman on a run. Love the fist pumps, Whoo baby! After that, he and the boys draw a D-. Bulger is 9 of 13 for 177. That’s Bulger, not one of the Manning’s, boys.
