After a disappointing loss at home in the season opener to the Dolphins, the Patriots could not afford to drop consecutive games in the division by losing to the Jets. If they had failed to secure a win, it would mean an 0-2 start which is a death knell in the NFL. According to a USA Today stat, in the past 30 years, only 12 percent of teams make the playoffs after starting 0-2. Therefore, in a must-win game, the Patriots went to Metlife Stadium and took advantage of an inexperienced quarterback while being efficient on offense. In this article, we will consider five takeaways from the game.
1. Secondary Shines-the Patriots’ secondary had the spotlight on them after struggling in week 1 to stop Jaylen Waddle and DeVante Parker from making big plays. In week 2, the crew stepped up and took advantage of errant throws from Jets rookie QB Zach Wilson. In the first pick, Devin McCourty did a brilliant volleyball-style tap to JC Jackson for the interception. Wilson appeared not to be at fault for the second interception as the ball appeared to go through the hands of Corey Davis. However, he was at fault for the third and fourth interceptions by underthrowing and overthrowing his receivers. The secondary did not drop these errant passes which many defensive players are often guilty of doing every Sunday. The Jets’ four errors were the foundations of the victory because the Patriots capitalized with 17 of the 25 points coming after turnovers.
2. Mac Jones is Mr. Efficient- after getting 4 extra possessions in this game, Jones had to manage the game and watch the other team self-destruct their chance of winning. He finished the game completing 22 of 30 passes for 186 yards, zero touchdowns but zero interceptions. Like his week one performance, Mac made the right reads and distributed the ball to 7 different players without putting the ball in danger. However, the Patriots had some issues in blocking which led to the three sacks on the Alabama product. Many Patriots fans are clamoring for the staff to open up the offense but I agree with the current approach. There will be future games where they will need to air it out but that was not required in weeks 1 and 2. I am concerned, however, by our ability to finish drives in the end zone because we seem to settle for field goals.
3. Running backs bounce back- the running backs also had the attention of fans based on two costly fumbles in week 1. Rhamondre Stevenson was a healthy scratch after his fumble against the Dolphins but Damien Harris got his shot at redemption. In the third quarter, he flashed his brilliance by taking the ball up the gut, slipping through a crack, made two Jet defenders whiff, and then lowered himself into the end zone for the touchdown with the help of his teammates. He finished the game with 16 carries and 62 yards while James White had another good game with 65 combined yards on 11 touches and a touchdown.
4. Nick Folk is the new Mr. Automatic- NFL kicker often are the most crucified players when they fail. Therefore, when they do well, they are to be praised for making their kicks. Folk took full advantage of his opportunities by going 4 for 4 on his field goals including a 49 yarder. He has now made 33 field goals in a row which is a Patriot record and is only 11 more field goals made away from tying Adam Vinatieri’s record of 44. He did miss an extra point in the game but Folk has proven to be someone who can be relied upon to do his job.
5. Run Defense is a concern-the Patriots pass defense will grab all the headlines from this big scoreline victory. However, the Jets failed to capitalize on a good performance on the ground. Four Jets players combined for 152 yards on 31 carries. Having the opponent go for 4.9 yards per rush is a definite cause for concern, and a better team will seek to exploit this potential weakness. However, the forced turnovers covered the defensive cracks.
At 1-1, this victory is a stepping stone for the team with a rookie quarterback and so many new personnel acquired in the offseason.
