Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ win over the Jets in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Defense embarrasses Sam Darnold: This rematch was supposed to be different because, among others, Jets QB Sam Darnold was back in the lineup after missing the first game with mononucleosis. Well, so much for that. The Patriots got in Darnold's head early and often in this one as their pressure packages had him so confused the ESPN mics caught him admitting he was "seeing ghosts." In an early season full of terrible QB performances against the Patriots, Darnold without question turned in the worst. At one point in the fourth quarter his line was: 9 of 24 for 50 yards, 4 INTs for a 2.8 rating. Darnold also had a fumble and a snap that went out of the end zone for a safety.
Brady, offense was half good: The Patriots' offense for most of the first half looked improved coming out of the 11-day layoff. The running game had a few good plays but a few stinkers as they tried to work some new players into the blocking mix. But Tom Brady came out on fire with a new permanent weapon in Jakobi Meyers. Meyers had three catches for 35 yards, including some big ones on third down. All told, Brady completed passes to six different receivers, including Ben Watson (three) and Phillip Dorsett (touchdown). The second half was not great for the offense as six of their final seven drives ended with punts or an interception.
Elandon Roberts debuts at fullback: We brought up the possibility a few times here at BSJ, and it came to fruition when the linebacker debuted as a goal line fullback. The first two snaps weren't great — they brought in James Ferentz to finish off the job — but Roberts did help on the final score.
TURNING POINT
Second offensive play for the Jets. Jamie Collins came free on a blitz and Darnold threw his first of 98 passes from his backfoot as he sailed the ball and Devin McCourty picked it off. Patriots converted a field goal to go up 10-0 early and Darnold was spooked.
SECOND GUESS
Damien Harris was active for this game and ... wasn't sent in until Sony Michel sustained an injury. Maybe Harris had a deal with Michel.
THREE UP
Patriots secondary: Devin McCourty, Terrence Brooks, Duron Harmon and Stephon Gilmore all had interceptions.
Jamie Collins: Seemed like he was in the backfield all night long putting pressure on Darnold and forcing bad throws.
Jakobi Meyers: Caught all five of his targets for 47 yards, including a couple of big third downs.
THREE DOWN
Marshall Newhouse: Gave up a lot of pressure on the edge and got Brady hit hard a couple of times.
Lawrence Guy: Seemed like Le'Veon Bell was running through his side all night long for 70 yards on 15 carries.
JC Jackson: Had a couple of bad penalties and would have given up a few more receptions if the Jets were any good.
INJURIES
RB Sony Michel: Left the game but jogged off the field.
TOP PLAYS
Sony score. @Flyguy2stackz | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/VapP5Jybp9
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2019
Monday night rating: PD-13.@dorsett_4 | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/dma5NRid8R
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2019
It's not a scoop-and-score, but it is another takeaway for the boogeymen.@johnesimon51 | @KVN_03 pic.twitter.com/d951XVuQfB
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2019
This defense is ridiculous. @dharm32 | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/8VtWr6yx3w
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2019
When he's not catching interceptions, he's causing them.
Pressured by @McCourtyTwins & picked by @BumpNrunGilm0re! pic.twitter.com/iae6pO8VGZ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2019
No fly zone. @_Showtime29 | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/l8vTyu44S9
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2019
Hat's off for @Flyguy2stackz's third TD of the night.#NEvsNYJ | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/t8ZaG4EvF2
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2019
TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
We're running out of words for this defense: Jets were held to 154 total yards. They passed for just 73. They completed 34.4 percent of their passes. Patriots forced six turnovers. The Jets didn't have a drive of more than 28 yards until deep into the fourth quarter. Unreal.
Brady won't be happy about the offense, but they took some baby steps: The Patriots did a much better job blocking on the edge for the most part and used jet motion and some other tweaks to make the defense defend the perimeter better, which opened up some running lanes. But the biggest thing was Brady started to spread the ball around, especially to Jakobi Meyers. There's potential with this unit. Now they need to stack success week by week.