After the debacle that was the Week One game against the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots have had one surprising and pleasant season.

With a 6-2 record at the mid-way point of the 2003 campaign, the team is in excellent position to return to the playoffs for the first time since their miraculous Super Bowl championship season two years ago.

Although there is a long way to go before the last game of season against Buffalo, the Patriots have shown a resiliency similar to the 2003 Red Sox. What is even more remarkable is that, with the inordinate number of injuries the team has had to overcome, the class of the 2003 draft is making significant contributions in each game.

Quarterbacks (B): This grade solely belongs to Tom Brady, since no other quarterback on the roster play. Statistically, this is unlikely to be his best season. But personal stats do not necessarily translate into wins. Furthermore, the San Mateo native has had to play with a sore elbow. He exhibits his toughness by playing with pain.

Running backs (C): This unit is the one that could stand to improve. Scat back Kevin Faulk demonstrates his value to team, while bruiser Antowain Smith continues to be inconsistent. Mike Cloud’s personal grade is incomplete, while the two fullbacks the team has had this year (Larry Center, Fred McCrary) have played without much distinction.

Receivers (B-): The receiving corp has gone through hot and cold flashes. Troy Brown remains the most reliable, but even the Marshall University graduate has had difficulty getting into open space. David Patten has been hurt for much of the season while second year Deion Branch has not taken the next step. The tight ends have been quiet for the most part, but Daniel Graham’s game against the Cleveland Browns is an encouraging sign.

Offensive line: (B): The line has been one of the more pleasant surprises of this season. One starter (Dan Koppen) is a rookie and another (Tom Ashworth) is a second year player. The pass protection has been solid overall, and the run blocking is improved from last season. Depth is a concern with Mike Compton and Adrain Klemm done for the season, and Kenyatta Jones recently released.

Defensive line: (B) Richard Seymour is a veritable stud and he is playing like it. Bobby Hamilton and Jarvis Green have played solidly against the run. The most exciting development is the play of rookie Ty Warren. Over the last four games, he has shown the quickness and instincts that made him a first round draft pick. With the probable return of big Ted Washington in the middle, the run defense should become even better, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will have added depth.

Linebackers: (B-) Two starters, Ted Johnson and Roosevelt Colvin, have missed significant playing since game two of the season. Colvin is out for the season, while Johnson should return by the end of November. Even outside linebacker Mike Vrabel missed a few games with a broken arm. In their stead, Tedy Bruschi and Roman Phifer have come up huge. If Johnson returns to health and Vrabel doesn’t have a set back, then this unit will excel come the stretch run in December.

Secondary: (A-) This grade reflects the expectations of the unit, not necessarily the play. Even with that in mind, the defensive backfield has come up with some game-breaking plays that would have been unthinkable after Week One. Rookies Eugene Wilson and Asante Samuel are playing like third year veterans. Rodney Harrison is everything that Lawyer Milloy was (and perhaps more). And what can be said about Ty Law? The man has played on a bad ankle for weeks now and, despite missing one game, his play has been stellar. Tyrone Poole has played extremely well at the other corner positions.

Special teams (C): The one area where Patriots fans might have expected more. Kicker Adam Vinatieri has not been Mr. Automatic, and there are too many penalties on punt and kickoff returns. Bethel Johnson has had some dazzling kickoff returns, while Brown has been steady, if unimpressive, on punt returns. Punter Ken Walters may be having his best season as a Patriots, and the coverage teams on kickoffs and punts has been adequate.