This game might well have been over before it started. New England's defense has been so dominant against NY, the last time the Jets scored an offensive touchdown against the Pats was four meetings ago, in November of 2018. (Trivia question: Name the QB who threw that touchdown, or the receiver who caught it... answer below.)
The Patriots defense has morphed twice in the last two seasons, and the results have been spectacular. For about 17 years, Bill Belichick employed a bend-but-don't-break theory most defensive snaps. His belief was that if you made offenses drive for 10+ plays, they would make a mistake along the way. He also was a firm believer in avoiding giving up big plays at all costs.
But in 2018, they changed when Brian Flores took over for Matt Patricia. They covered up for talent deficiencies by playing more exotic defenses: the amoeba, the bullseye, 9-man fronts, 2-man rushes, man/zone concepts, zone/man concepts. They also stunted and blitzed up front more often than any other season, by far. And it paid off: they ended the year seventh in points allowed and rode their confusing defense to a Super Bowl win.
However, this year Belichick has taken over the defense. And they have changed 180-degrees from bend-but-don't-break. They added enough talent in the secondary and linebacking corps to play man-coverage almost exclusively and to blitz like maniacs from the first snap to the last. Last night, they blitzed with no safety help more than they probably did in the first 18 years under BB.
They had just one sack last night but got a fumble recovery on the play. And they added four more interceptions, and held the NY QB to 34% completions, and a QB rating of 3.6 (not a typo, 3.6). As of today, the Patriots are on pace for 59 sacks, an astonishing 48 takeaways, and only 110 points allowed. The first two would be the most under Belichick. The last would be a Super Bowl-era NFL record.
It looks a lot like Belichick is throwing caution to the wind, at least against the scrub teams they've played so far. It'll be interesting to see if he continues to attack against the Ravens, Cowboys, and Chiefs, all of whom can hurt you with long passes against blitzing defenses.
I hate to say it's tough to give individual credit on defense. But it is. They play such a disciplined team concept, it makes Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower, and the entire secondary look great. But without the guys up front and the inside LBs, none of it would be possible.
On offense, the team appears to be developing some help at receiver. Rookie Jacobi Meyers stepped up with five catches, Ben Watson added three more (including a big third-down catch), and even running back Brandon Bolden got into the act with four grabs.
Their running attack needs the return of a real fullback. Last night they used a linebacker, a tight end, and an extra offensive lineman, mostly to no great result. I keep hearing they are looking to sign a receiver. But they should concentrate on getting some offensive line help. And if James Develin won't be back at fullback this season, they need to develop or find someone to replace him.
Special teams was just fine. The only question mark is that they tried to make a fourth-down when they could have tried a 49-yard field goal. So that appears to be the outer range of Mike Nugent, the replacement kicker. Punter Jake Bailey had four kicks downed inside the 20 in last night's contest -- and two of them were placed perfectly, one going out of bounds at the 2 and the other bouncing just before the end zone and kicking back.
The defensive and special teams coaching has been outstanding. But the offensive coaching could use some work. Though it did appear they used the second half to practice a few things, which will come in handy as the season progresses.
Where does that leave us: 7-0 isn't too shabby. Before the season, I predicted the Pats would lose to the Browns... but that doesn't appear likely now. Even though Cleveland had their bye last week and the Patriots have a short week, it's tough to see how the Browns come into Gillette and grab a win.
Biggest on-going concern: It's the offensive line. The Jets couldn't make this a game, but the Pats O-line just isn't as consistent as in past years. Time for Dante Scarnecchia to work his magic.
Non-Brady MVP: Devin McCourty, with an INT and several pass-pressures that led to other INTs.
Statistical oddity: McCourty leads the NFL with five interceptions. Only one other Patriots player ever led the league in that category for a season. (Trivia question: Name the player and the year... answer below.)
Water-cooler wisdom: "8-0 is likely. If they beat the Ravens, 16-0 is possible."
Keep the faith,
- Scott
PS. 7-0!
PPS. Trivia answer #1: QB Josh McCown threw the touchdown to wideout Jermaine Kearse.
PPPS. Trivia answer #2:
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Cornerback Kyle Arrington tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions in 2011.
It wasn't even remotely fair......loved it!
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