After an embarrassing performance on Monday night, the Patriots earned a much-needed win and defeated the New York Jets 22-17. It wasn’t pretty, but the Patriots beat the Jets for the 13th consecutive time and are now 4-4. Bill Belichick won his 325th career game passing George Halas for second-most all time. New England will now face the Colts before heading to their bye week. Here are eight takeaways from Sunday’s game.
1. Mac Jones bends but doesn’t break
Well, Mac Jones played the entire game, and after a rough first quarter, he turned it around. Although Jones got sacked a career-high six times, he threw for 194 yards going 24/35. Additionally, he dialed up one touchdown and one interception. However, the Patriots went 6-19 on third down attempts and need to improve in that area of the game.
2. Offensive Line has their worst game yet.
The offensive line struggled, as they let Mac Jones feel the pressure and allowed six sacks. Jones was sacked on three of his first ten dropbacks, and in the first half, the Jets had nine tackles for loss. New England tried different formations throughout the game, but none of them could contain the Jets’ dominating front. Rookie Cole Strange had his worst game yet, committing two holding penalties and allowing a sack; he was also benched multiple times in the second half for Isaiah Wynn. Backup Center James Ferentz started in place of David Andrews, and he had a tough time matching up with Quinnen Williams.
3. Special teams have their best game yet.
Led by Nick Folk, the Patriots’ special teams gave New England a much-needed boost today. Nick Folk connected on all five field goals, including a 52-yarder and three 40+ attempts. He is the only NFL kicker to go 5/5 in an outdoor stadium this season–and Folk has now accomplished this twice this season (last time in Week 5 against the Lions). Jake Bailey also had a better day punting, although there was an unfortunate miscue when Damascus Mitchell rolled into the endzone when he downed a punt resulting in a touchback. Marcus Jones had a huge 32-yard punt return, partly because of Jabrill Peppers block. Meanwhile, Jack Jones appeared to put a hand on a Greg Zuerlein FG resulting in a rare miss for Zuerlein. Brenden Schooler continues to make big plays in the punting game, as he had a tackle that resulted in the Jets starting from their 17-yard line.
4. It’s Halloween for Zach Wilson as he sees ghosts.
Zach Wilson helped the Patriots as he threw three interceptions. Wilson only completed 20 of 41 pass attempts (47.2%). His two interceptions to veteran safety Devein MCourtey were awful throws. Matthew Judon and Deatrich Wise consistently applied pressure, although New England only registered one sack. It was so bad that in the fourth quarter Jets fans were cheering when Zach Wilson decided to throw the ball away.
5. The patriots got bailed out early.
The Patriots were about to go down 17-3 in the first half as Mac Jones had his worst throw as a Patriot. Jones was targeting Jakobi Meyers when Jets cornerback Michael Carter stepped in front of the throw and took it to the house. However, a flag was thrown when Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers hit Mac Jones hard against the turf. Mac Jones, who usually pleads his case with the officials, didn’t think he deserved a penalty and walked off the field with his head down. However, the referee negated the return and gave New England the ball back, where they converted a field goal. Jets coach Robert Saleh lost his mind and was seen screaming with the officials.
6. Rhamondre Stevenson and Jakobi Meyersare the Patriots offense
Jakobi Meyers and Rhamodre Stevenson propelled the Patriots offense today as Meyers was Jones’s most trusted target in critical situations, and Stevenson had the most rushing and receiving yards. Meyers finished with nine catches for 60 yards and a score. At the same time, Stevenson rushed for 73 yards on 15 carries and had seven receptions for 72 yards. Meanwhile, there is no question Stevenson is New England’s RB1. The Patriots will have some roster decisions with Jakboi Meyers’s contract expiring and Damien Harris playing the final year of his rookie deal.
7. Jabrill Peppers has his best game yet.
With Patriots safety Kyle Dugger inactive today, Jabrill Peppers started the game in the three-safety nickel package. Peppers, who signed with the Patriots in the offseason, led the Patriots in tackles with eight tackles and one tackle for loss.
8. DeVante Parker exits with an injury.
DeVante Parker left early in the first quarter with a knee injury. When the Patriots traded for Parker in the offseason, the biggest concern was his injury history. Parker has played the entire season only once in his career. The Patriots have depth at the receiver position with Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, and Tyquan Thornton. Still, something to monitor.
9. Patriots fly back home, where they will host the Colts
The Patriots will head back to Foxborough, where they will host rookie quarterback Sam Ehlinger and the Colts. The Colts signed Matt Ryan in the offseason, but after a slow start, they decided to bench Ryan and start the rookie quarterback. The Colts lost to the Commanders on Sunday and are now 3-4-1. The Patriots have a lot of work to do but should be favored in this matchup.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
