EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ win over the Jets in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Mac Jones has some shaky moments, but settles down ... a bit: In his first full game since leaving the Ravens game injured, Mac Jones had a lot of issues dealing with the Jets' pass rush, got sped up and was a disaster at times in the first half. Officially he was 13 of 20 for 122 yards, a pick and three sacks, but it could have been a lot worse as a pick-six at the end of the first half was reversed due to a questionable roughing the passer penalty. Jones definitely had issues, but it's almost impossible to say whether it was largely due to the offensive line being overwhelmed by the Jets pass rush and Jones getting sped up — any QB is going to have issues if there's too much pressure. The Patriots seemed to think that was the main issue because Bill Belichick told CBS at halftime that Jones had way too much pressure on him.
The Patriots in the second half seemed to take the heat off Jones and the line as they went to more quick passes and no-huddle to limit the pass rush. It worked as the Patriots put together a six-play, 62-yard scoring drive that gave the Patriots a lead that they never relinquished. Jones was 11 of 15 for 72 yards, 1 TD and zero INTs in the second half.
Still, this was far from a Picasso for the offense and Jones — he nearly threw another pick in the red zone — but you have to start somewhere. Offense and QBing are not just flipping a switch, especially after an injury.
Zach Wilson completely melts down: The Jets were able to win four straight games by basically taking QB Zach Wilson out of the offense and making him a game manager. It worked for a while against the Patriots but Wilson again reverted to his turnover self – completing less than 50 percent of his passes and throwing three atrocious interceptions right to the Patriots. Wilson was 7 of 18 for 108 yards and 2 INTs in the second half at the point it was largely over.
Cole Strange benched: The Patriots' first-round pick had a rough first half dealing with Quinnen Williams as he had two holding penalties and allowed a sack. After that, he was replaced by Isaiah Wynn, and rotated back in after that. Marcus Cannon got the start at RT instead of Wynn.
Belichick passes Halas, Shula next: Only one other coach has won more games as an NFL coach than Belichick after Sunday, and that's Don Shula. Belichick is 23 wins from taking the top spot after passing Papa Bear Halas.
TURNING POINT
Devin McCourty's pick of Wilson's punt with 2:39 left in the third quarter. Wilson was toast after that.
SECOND GUESS
Belichick not just taking the field goal with 2 minutes left in the first half. At the least, the Patriots would get the ball in the second half, if they held defensively, trailing 10-6. Could have been better with a quick stop. Instead, the Patriots went for it, ran a strange play action play that only seemed to compound the frenzied nature of the first for Jones and the offense.
FOUR UP
Rhamondre Stevenson: Was just a beast on the ground and through the air with 143 total yards. This offense would be lost without him.
Devin McCourty: Didn't have to do a lot for his two INTs, but they count.
Jabrill Peppers: Had an unneeded personal foul penalty but seemed to really play well with Kyle Dugger down.
Jakobi Meyers: Had nine catches for 60 yards and they all felt like they were on 3rd and long.
THREE DOWN
Cole Strange: The young player struggled against a good opponent without David Andrews there. Happens.
Marcus Cannon/Isaiah Wynn: RT continues to be an issue.
James Ferentz: Seemed to get driven back a lot blocking the run.
INJURIES
WR DeVante Parker (knee) was ruled out for the game after the first play.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson limped off but returned and finished the game.
TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
You have to have patience with young QBs: Mac Jones was not good at times, and he looked downright scary. But confidence and pressure is a delicate balance, especially with a young QB in the middle of his second season. This Jets defense is very tough. The entire offense outside Rhamondre Stevenson had issues. This was a find-a-way win. Don't make any sweeping judgments of Jones off this game. It's a process. We'll see if he makes progress on a weekly basis.
Patriots needed this one badly: It didn't look good for anyone for a while, and Wilson has big-time issues, but this was a ... needed win. Wasn't pretty, wasn't great — but the Jets have some good pieces and this was on the road. Got them back to .500 and now they just have to build off it.