FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- At an initial glance, and without the benefit of film review, a look at which New England Patriots are "up" and "down" in the team's 51-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium:
UP
Tom Brady: The quarterback was 33-of-42 for 358 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, continuing his torrid start to the season. At 38 years old, he seems to be getting better.
Stephen Gostkowski: The kicker set an NFL record for consecutive extra points, breaking Matt Stover's record of 422, and added two 46-yard field goals and a 20-yarder.
Devin McCourty: The safety's interception late in the second quarter showcased his range and changed the complexion of the game at a time when it looked like the Jaguars were closing in. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles shouldn't have thrown it, but McCourty's pre-snap communication with fellow defensive backs also looked like a key on the play. "I kind of needed to have a makeup play," McCourty said after the game. "I should've probably scooped up that fumble on the strip sack, and Bill [Belichick] let me know. So I needed that."
Jordan Richards: The rookie safety received his most extensive playing time on defense and showed up on one play along the sideline in which he had the awareness to keep Allen Robinson from touching his feet down in the field of play. He also showed up in run support.
DOWN
Malcolm Butler: The cornerback made some notable plays on the ball (first play of the game) and in run support, but he also had an interception sail through his hands. He was also partly responsible for Allen Hurns' 59-yard touchdown catch-and-run in the fourth quarter. At times he does have the look of a No. 1 corner, which makes his inclusion here feel a bit harsh.
Aaron Dobson: After a stellar day last Sunday against the Bills, he was quiet with one catch for 5 yards. He had a laser from Brady sail through his hands in the end zone. Dobson did draw a pass interference penalty on a deep ball down the middle (although one could make the case that he should have caught the ball).