Breaking down four key sequences in the Patriots' blowout win vs. the Jets, mostly through video analysis, including:
- Efton Chism earning Drake Maye's trust;
- Jaylinn Hawkins' interception that was set up by an earlier play;
- Kyle Williams coming through before Rhamondre Stevenson puts the moves on;
- Diabolical Josh McDaniels bailing out two poor plays.
But first, some breaking news.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh announced that QB Justin Herbert and some other beat-up starters will not play in the season finale against the Broncos. Trey Lance will start.
The Patriots needed the Chargers to upset Denver for any hope at the top seed.
If the Patriots don't like it, they can use it as motivation when the Chargers likely visit Gillette in the wild-card round. If the Patriots beat the Dolphins, the only way the Bills visit if they put on the ultimate tank job against the absolutely horrible Jets.
If I were Harbaugh, I would have done the same thing. Herbert has taken a ridiculous beating this season, especially since his two All-Pro tackles went down. He is currently third in times sacked (54), and leads the league by far in times hit (129).
Anyways, on with the show.
2-8-NE 28 (7:20) (Shotgun) D.Maye pass short middle to E.Chism to NYJ 42 for 30 yards (J.Clark) [M.Clemons].
1-10-NYJ 42 (6:38) (Shotgun) T.Henderson left end to NYJ 30 for 12 yards (Q.Stiggers).
1-10-NYJ 30 (5:56) R.Stevenson up the middle to NYJ 19 for 11 yards (E.Watts).
1-10-NYJ 19 (5:14) (Shotgun) D.Maye pass incomplete deep right to K.Williams. PENALTY on NYJ-B.Stephens, Defensive Pass Interference, 18 yards, enforced at NYJ 19 - No Play. X9
1-1-NYJ 1 (5:09) T.Munford reported in as eligible. R.Stevenson right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
The big play is the first one, where Maye anticipates a Jets all-out blitz, understands his protection, and Chism is on the same page. That's a big thing to earn more time.
Rhamondre Stevenson shows off how good he can be, and why he's the team's only all-around back.
And then Jack Westover bowls over a smaller linebacker who got caught in between.
2-8-NYJ 31 (10:02) (Shotgun) B.Cook pass incomplete deep left to A.Mitchell.
3-6-NYJ 40 (3:41) (Shotgun) B.Cook pass deep left intended for A.Mitchell INTERCEPTED by J.Hawkins at NE 34. J.Hawkins ran ob at NE 34 for no gain.
The first play was a similar concept to the interception, so I think it helped inform Jaylinn Hawkins on the interception.
On the play, Hawkins read Brady Cook like a book, and then the rookie QB made a terrible throw into trouble. Easy pickings.
3-4-NYJ 29 (Shotgun) D.Maye pass short right to K.Williams ran ob at NYJ 25 for 4 yards.
1-10-NYJ 25 (1:38) (Shotgun) D.Maye pass short right to H.Henry ran ob at NYJ 15 for 10 yards (J.Sherwood; Q.Williams). PENALTY on NE-B.Brown, Ineligible Downfield Pass, 5 yards, enforced at NYJ 25 - No Play.
1-15-NYJ 30 (1:13) (Shotgun) D.Maye pass short left to D.Douglas to NYJ 20 for 10 yards (M.Moore).
2-5-NYJ 20 (:36) T.Munford reported in as eligible. T.Henderson left tackle to NYJ 22 for -2 yards (Q.Stiggers)
3-7-NYJ 22 (15:00) (Shotgun) D.Maye pass deep left to R.Stevenson for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Loved Kyle Williams finally being on the same page as Maye in a big spot — something that has not always been the case for the rookie — and continuing to come back for the ball. This was one of Maye's best throws of the game with pressure all around him, and he threw a BB.
Maye actually missed a touchdown to Hunter Henry on the Douglas checkdown, and then Stevenson put the moves on a defensive end for an easy touchdown.
1-10-NYJ 29 (10:24) T.Munford reported in as eligible. T.Henderson left tackle to NYJ 26 for 3 yards (H.Phillips; J.Sherwood).
2-7-NYJ 26 (9:43) D.Maye sacked at NYJ 27 for -1 yards (K.Saunders).
3-8-NYJ 27 (8:59) (Shotgun) D.Maye pass short left to R.Stevenson pushed ob at NYJ 10 for 17 yards (M.Moore). P25
1-10-NYJ 10 (8:21) D.Maye pass short right to E.Chism for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
A couple of poor plays to start this set, with TreVeyon Henderson (again) leaving yards on the field, and then Maye taking an unnecessary sack.
But then Josh McDaniels gets medieval on the Jets' ass with a diabolical pick play involving Chism and Stevenson.
Then Maye makes a pinpoint throw to Chism for the TD.