The Patriots took the Jets to the woodshed, beating them handily 25-6 in New York. The win puts the locals in a three-way tie for first place with the Dolphins and Bills, all standing at 1-1. Next week they play the trick-or-treat Saints, who won in a laugher week 1 and got schooled in week 2.
The Pats defense dominated this game. At the half, rookie Jets QB Zach Wilson had as many passes completed to the Patriots as to his own team (3). By game's end they had intercepted four passes, sacked Wilson four times, and the Jets coaches called a bunch of running plays when they were way behind -- effectively agreeing that they couldn't do anything through the air.
After two games, the New England defense is tied for the second-best scoring defense in the league, giving up just 23 points (Carolina has given up 21). Their secondary played great yesterday, the front seven made more tackles than the DBs, a good sign, and for the season they're allowing just 29% third-down conversions (7 for 24).
Corner JC Jackson played amazing, with two INTs and two passes knocked down, not to mention blanket coverage all game long. Safety Devin McCourty had an interception of his own, was third on the team with five tackles, and also knocked the first INT of the day to Jackson. And Adrian Phillips makes plays every week, a great signing from San Diego (or was it Los Angeles?) in the 2019 off-season.
The front seven improved over the previous week, though they still gave up some gash runs. The linebackers in particular were much better; Ja'Whaun Bentley and Dont'a Hightower led the team in tackles with eight and six, respectively. Hightower also made a few great run forces. Josh Uche and Matt Judon were more active, getting closer in the backfield, and Uche ending up with two sacks to Judon's one.
The Jets did run the ball okay, but Christian Barmore and Devon Godchaux are making the correct reads and stuffing the right gaps on more plays. Lawrence Guy tied for third in tackles and honestly the results against the run haven't been what I'd expect given the level of play. Some lost outside contain explains a bit of it, but the problems on gashing inside runs are hard to diagnose.
On offense, rookie QB Mac Jones completed over 70% of his passes for the second week in a row, going 22 of 30 for just 186 yards, 0 touchdowns, but unlike his counterpart, 0 interceptions. So far he seems to understand which players are likely to be open, takes the heat well, and his performance against the blitz probably means less blitzing going forward.
The running game wasn't as good as it was last week, totaling just 101 yards. But Damien Harris had some tough runs, especially his 26-yard touchdown, on which no fewer than eight Jets defenders failed to bring him down. James White was used as a switch-up back, running successfully out of passing formations, and hanging onto the ball on a wicked hit on one pass reception.
The O-line hasn't been as impressive as they were advertised to be this year. Isaiah Wynn had a really rough day, with a whiff on one sack, and two penalties. But worse than that has been the play of the two replacements for the injured Trent Brown: Yasir Durant and Justin Heron. The team has been switching between the two, and finding nothing but problems. Neither can handle outside rushers so they need help with chipping tight ends or backs. And runs in that direction just aren't going as far they are to the other side. Here's hoping Brown is back soon; because aside from Wynn, the rest of the O-line is playing well.
The receiving duties were well spread-out: six players had two catches or more. No touchdowns among this group, but the longest catches by each player is telling: White's was 28 yards, Jacobi Meyers' was 24, Jonnu Smith's was 19, and Hunter Henry's was 32. That shows they aren't all short passes, there are some shots down the field, which is important in keeping the defenses honest.
Special teams were a mixed bag. Nick Folk made all four field goals but missed an extra point. Jake Bailey punted well, especially his 59-yarder with no return -- but his kickoffs were short and the team gave up way too many yards on kickoff returns.
The coaches had a stellar game. The defensive game plan was outstanding, applying pressure to the young quarterback and waiting for him to turn the ball over. And on offense, the Pats were bottled up early but switched up with some misdirection that paid big dividends against the aggressive Jets D.
They got a better result this time than the last time they faced a Jets team in New York (well, New Jersey) in week #2 with a rookie QB. (Trivia question: can you name the quarterback who beat them in this scenario? Answer below.)
Where does that leave us? Bill Belichick always said the second game of the season is the most important, so you knew he'd put a lot on winning this one. The offense is improving, the defense is definitely improving, and the special teams needs to redouble their efforts. 1-1 is okay for now, a lot better than 0-2.
The Saints won big the first week and lost big this week. It'll be interesting to see what team shows up at Foxboro next Sunday... I'll be there to greet them :)
Biggest on-going concern: The health of Trent Brown. His replacements have been poor and his injury was reported as a calf strain. If he can return soon, it'll be a huge boon to the team's pass protection and running game.
Non-QB MVP: Nick Folk; four field goals and sets a Patriots record with 32-straight made field goal attempts.
Statistical oddity: Folk missed his first two field goal attempts for the Patriots and made the next 32.
Water-cooler wisdom: "Looks like games will be a struggle early on, but they are progressing each week."
Keep the faith,
- Scott
PS. 1-1!
PPS. Trivia answer:
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It was Mark Sanchez who beat them in week 2 of the 2009 season.
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