A look at how a few players saw their stock change following Sunday's loss.
By Nick Underhill and Jay King
A look at how a few players saw their stock change following the Patriots' 20-18 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Flying high
DE Chandler Jones -- Jones continues to run through defense like he's tearing down houses in the video game "Rampage." He showed up with another forced fumble Sunday, he's second of the season, and drew a holding call. There were also a few instances where he chased Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb out of the pocket. Remember when we all thought he was a project?
LB Brandon Spikes -- There was one play Sunday when Spikes used a beautiful spin move to get after Kolb that was an absolute thing of beauty, even though he didn't get the sack. He also forced the fumble in teh fourth quarter that gave the Patriots a shot at victory.
WR Wes Welker -- He once again saw a reduction in snaps and this may officially be a storyline to monitor with some degree concern. Still, he made the most of his 63 snaps, catching five passes for 95 yards. He also passed Troy Brown as the franchise's all-time leader in receptions.
In the doghouse
TE Rob Gronkowski -- Was whistled for two penalties on the final drive, one of which took away a touchdown from Danny Woodhead. Everything else he did was made meaningless by those two mistakes.
OC Josh McDaniels -- The Patriots didn't look like the Patriots on offense for a number of reasons, and some of that was due to odd play calling by the offensive coordinator. The call for a Woodhead sweep on third-and-6 late in the game comes to mind.
Special teams -- A blocked punt and a missed field goal buried the Patriots.