Patriots 37 Jets 16: Patriots Earn Defining Win
by Greg Knopping on Nov 14, 2011 1:03 AM EST
in Patriots Game Reports
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Exactly one year ago, the New England Patriots were 6-2 halfway through their 2010 campaign and were facing a fierce AFC rival on their home turf in the Pittsburgh Steelers. They were coming off an ugly 34-14 loss to the Browns and many people were doubting the future of the team. Before tonight's game against the New York Jets, I stated that the Patriots had a chance to get a defining victory similar to that very one exactly a year ago, and that's exactly what they did.
Although the first few plays of the Jets' opening drive made it look like it might be a long night for the Patriots defense, the unit regrouped in the red zone and the Nick Folk of the Jets missed a chip shot field goal.
The Patriots took back over on offense and marched down the field, but were ultimately held to a 50 yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal. Following that drive, the Patriots' defense really stiffened. On the day, the Jets were able to run the ball with some success, but the Patriots never allowed the big run.
But the real story of the day was the Patriots' pass defense. The Patriots produced five sacks on the day, with 4.5 of those coming from defensive end Andre Carter, who break a team regular season record for most sacks in a game. He came close to several more as well (including one intentional grounding by Sanchez that clearly would have been a sack). Carter manhandled D'Brickishaw Ferguson all day and was constantly disrupting the passing rhythm of the Jets.
Not everything was perfect for the Patriots in the first half. The team managed to move the ball early on, but could only come away with two field goals. Late in the second quarter, pinned deep in their own territory, Jamaal Westerman of the Jets produced a great pass rush and forced Tom Brady to throw the ball to nowhere, causing an intentional grounding and safety. The Jets then took the ball and marched straight down the field in seven plays, with the drive being capped off with a two yard Mark Sanchez quarterback draw (didn't look scripted).
Down 9-6 with less than two minutes to go in the first half, it was all Patriots from that point on. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was having his fair share of struggles - making some questionable reads and errant throws. But something changed at that point.
With the Patriots pressed for time, the team played out of the no huddle. Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski got in a groove on the drive, with Brady finding Gronk on completions of 12 and 23. Three plays after the 23 yarder, Brady found Gronkowski again on an 18 yard throw to the middle of the end zone and the Patriots were up 13-9 going into the half.
Early in the third quarter, a muffed punt by Joe McKnight of the Jets gave the Patriots an easy three points. When the Jets finally got the ball back, Rob Ninkovich intercepted a tipped Sanchez pass and on the team's ensuing drive, the Patriots turned back to the no huddle and wore down the Jets defense with quick runs and completions. On a third and three from the Jets' 5, Brady found Gronkowski for the duo's second touchdown connection of the game to make the score 23-9.
The Jets weren't quite done yet - they responded nicely to the Patriots touchdown drive with one of their own, a ten play drive that was capped off with a Sanchez to Plaxico Burress seven yard touchdown.
Yet once again, similar to that Sunday night game in Pittsburgh last year, Tom Brady and the Patriots offense responded. The Patriots chewed up nearly seven fourth quarter minutes on a 13 play, 84 yard drive. The Patriots didn't have much going for them on the ground up to that point, but running back Danny Woodhead was able to get a little something going on this drive. Brady mixed up his throws, finding Welker three times, Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez once a piece and Deion Branch twice. The drive was capped off with a beautiful Brady to Branch eight yard touchdown.
Up 30-16, the Jets were down, but not out. But on a second and 20 from their own ten, the Jets made their fatal mistake. Mark Sanchez looked for running back LaDainian Tomlinson on a check down route, but didn't account for Rob Ninkovich, who read the play. Ninkovich grabbed his second interception of the day and trotted into the end zone to give the Patriots a 37-16 lead.
After a couple of more defensive stands by the Patriots, the team had their most important victory of the season in hand.
We know that the 2011 Patriots are far from a perfect team. But tonight showed us that this team is very resilient. The defensive backfield is on its last hinges, and an undisclosed arm/shoulder injury to Devin McCourty can only serve to make things worse. Nonetheless, the Patriots showed that they can win with effort, determination, and grit. Bill Belichick has once again showed that he can make a winning defense out of street players. Truly unbelievable to watch. When Julian Edelman took the field as a cornerback on the last drive of the game, it just couldn't help but remind you of the Troy Brown and Earthwind Moreland days of 2004.
The Patriots are now 6-3 and in sole possession of first place in the AFC East. They're currently a half game behind the Steelers and Texans for the best record in the AFC, but they have gotten through the most difficult part of their schedule, and now will face the NFL's easiest remaining schedule. There's no reason to think that this team can't finish 12-4 or 11-5, which very well could be good enough for a bye in the wacky field that is the AFC this season.
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You forgot to mention the Ocho's big grab! =D
Wish they used him a bit more.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Like I said last week. Win today and the last two weeks can be forgiven (at least for me)
1. Irony: Rex Ryan asking the league to help the Jets out by beating the Pats…and then going 0-2 against the Pats this season. (That is the correct use of Irony, I hope).
2. I expected the Pats to be more successful on the ground versus the air today. Guess I was wrong.
3. Hope whatever came over TB towards the end of the first half will keep on going on. THIS was the play I’ve been expecting from Brady.
4. Congrats Tom Brady for surpassing your childhood idol (Montana) to be 8th all-time with your 40th 300 yards regular season game.
Don’t ever wrestle with a pig. You’ll both get dirty, but the pig will enjoy it.
1 Cor 13:13
well...
4. Congrats Tom Brady for surpassing your childhood idol (Montana) to be 8th all-time with your 40th 300 yards regular season game.
..and getting the 117th win, catching…yes, Montana:)
by frogfromthemud on Nov 14, 2011 2:07 AM EST up reply actions
Lose to Philly perhaps?
In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.
i think we have a better chance losing to the broncos than philly
4th quarter play- Patriots Good, Eagles Horrible
New England Patriots: 5-2 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets, Cowboys, and Steelers
by freeland1787 on Nov 14, 2011 1:47 AM EST up reply actions
I cannot fathom losing to the Broncos. The media would be all over Tebows sack
In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.
As much as I dislike Tebow
I’ll be rooting for him every step of the way on Thursday against the Jets
by Guess Who's Back? on Nov 14, 2011 1:57 AM EST up reply actions
My simmering dislike of Tebow
Is as nothing compared to the incandescent, white-hot, palpable rage I harbor for Ryan, Sanchez, and the Jets that shall endure until the uttermost ends of the universe.
So yeah, it’s safe to say I’ll be rooting for Tebow on Thursday.
Fenway: "An alternate and better universe, disguised as a ballpark." --Thomas Boswell
We're all in agreement for that.
In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.
Call me crazy...
but I think Belichick will have an answer for what is, essentially, a college offense.
"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver
I like what Carter and Anderson brought us
which is a pass-rush, especially Carter was great all game.
Some of it has to be attributed to the coverage I guess and whoever played defensive back for us (heck, even I’m not sure anymore) – but from what I saw Arrington and Adams had very solid games
now its time to show KC how the big boys run the show
New England Patriots: 5-2 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets, Cowboys, and Steelers
It just goes to show
The difference between Brady and Sanchez. Brady shredded the Jets defense (considered by many to be one of the best), while Sanchez struggled greatly against the Patriots defense (considered by many to be the worst) That being said the Patriots now have destiny in their own hands and have seven games left with teams that are non-playoff teams and I hope to God they put division out of reach for the Jets
by Guess Who's Back? on Nov 14, 2011 1:50 AM EST reply actions
Stop it, please;)
It just goes to show
The difference between Brady and Sanchez. Brady shredded the Jets defense (considered by many to be one of the best), while Sanchez struggled greatly against the Patriots defense (considered by many to be the worst)
you wanted bench Brady after the first quarter. :)
Rex Ryan pointed out the same thing in his presser last night
something like – ‘You can’t underestimate the difference having a great quarterback makes in this league’. And he wasn’t talking about his own Sanchez. That time-out, called too early, really ticked Ryan off.
Keep the faith!
Rightly so...
Ryan called it the stupidest play he’s ever seen, which is a bit of an exaggeration, but I think shows one of Sanchez’s basic problems. Our defense had him rattled and he totally lost his game awareness. There are times when Sanchez really still looks like a rookie out there.
It’s not that it’s impossible to rattle Brady, but he is able to stay as poised under pressure as anyone whose ever played the position.
"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver
Think about what that means, though
You think 09 Rex would have been scared to call on his defense in that situation. Even if they gave up points, he would have enjoyed beating ne up on an extra drive. After the first half he was beat. It’s like 4th and two, maybe Rex was right, but what does it say about the defense?
Either way, it’s fun watching the jets implode, even with their talent for bouncing back.
Say what you want about America, thirteen bucks still gets you a hell of a lot of mice!
by No Pity on Nov 14, 2011 4:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Great Win to Build On !
A great showing for the defense that without some of it’s starters, Carter was on fire, and the rest of the guys took notice, and, played some good D. Brady, Gronk, Welker, Hernandez, Branch, Woodhead, all had a very good game, and the Pass protection for Brady, was Excellent. This was a good game for the Patriots, and will only lead to more Wins, setting up, hopefully, Home field advantage for the playoffs. Belicheck, and, Brady, now the Winningest Coach/QB combo in NFL History.
Andre Carter had a great game.
He had 4.5 sacks and disrupted numerous other plays-against D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who is considered by many the best pass protecting left tackle in the league. Kudos to you Andre and climb up those stat charts!
Anyone see Guyton out there?
Saw tat J Tarpinian started but I don’t recall seeing Guyton, is he in the dog house where he belongs?
by The Peoples Champ on Nov 14, 2011 2:55 AM EST reply actions
He's nursing a bad shoulder...
…but Tarpinian had one heck of game. Tracy White saw the field for a couple drives, but Tarpinian played fantastic football.
by Richard Hill on Nov 14, 2011 3:14 AM EST up reply actions
NBC only had a picture of Tarpinian in the intros to the game
It was pretty funny. All the defensive players are introducing themselves in that graphic they have, and there’s just a picture of Tarpinian with no sound.
Keep the faith!
Same with Sterling Moore
Kinda made me giggle…in a mature manly way that is. Seems odd watching your favorite team and a team you have followed since you were a child and not knowing who was on the field at parts
60% of the time, it works everytime...
by Rehabs4Quitters on Nov 14, 2011 9:02 AM EST up reply actions
...
It started out as the WORST DEFENSE IN THE LEAGUE…
Then injuries happened..
Then injuries happened again..
And then?
Then came the part with the 5 sacks.
=D
Seriously, though, we’re without Chung, McCourty, Spikes (right?), Bodden, Ras-I, and we cut Haynesworth: Is this defense suddenly this good that it can dominate without half its stars, or are the Jets that bad?
CARTER I AM BUYING YOUR JERSEY..!
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Nov 14, 2011 2:56 AM EST reply actions
Better see if they re-sign him ...
… before committing to that jersey.
True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.
by Hometown Gyro on Nov 14, 2011 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone catch Branch making a mockery of Fireman Ed after the TD?
It was beautiful (tear).
Proud supporter of a New York baseball team and a Boston football team. Yeah, deal with it!
"We don’t listen to the hype. I don’t think we ever have. We really take after our coach and he says ‘When you win, say little. When you lose, say less.'"--Tom Brady
The 2011 New York Mets: I don't know what to describe them as...
Staunch Parishioner Of The First United Church of R.A. Dickey
I see this, and the only thing I can think of is
“My God, how small is Deion. Welker looks like he’s towering over him!
Fenway: "An alternate and better universe, disguised as a ballpark." --Thomas Boswell
Oh that's what that was? Now it all makes sense.
Crazy legs time?
In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.
I am just happy
He got some major looks last night, the jets couldn’t account for him and TB made them pay. Him and Ocho needs to get some more looks they can make it happen.
by DukeofChutney on Nov 14, 2011 8:01 AM EST up reply actions
I have to say, once he got the ball in open space, Ocho looked pretty good.
NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.
once ocho takes the correct route
good things can happen
"These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick
It always makes me laugh
When Spikes makes a big stop and does his little dance after.
60% of the time, it works everytime...
by Rehabs4Quitters on Nov 14, 2011 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
Bwahahahahaha.
How about Tomlinson in the pre-game huddle: “The division is ours, it’s ours tonight. Let’s go get it.”
I do think they got cocky
I think it’s why you didn’t hear any trash talk out of them this week. They thought they were gonna roll right over us.
"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver
Before the first Pats-Jets game this season -
Tomlinson was in that pre-game huddle yelling out “F… the Patriots” and how he was “sick of hearing about the F’n Patriots”. It was on NFLN’s Sound FX. Guess Tomlinson needs to tweak his pre-game speech a bit since they didn’t seem to work.
Keep the faith!
Tomlinson needs to adjust his attitude, period
for a guy that’s only on the field for a handful of plays. That isn’t Ray Lewis out there.
Can I Scream?
Edelman did a nice 'adjustment' of LT near the end, there .
NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.
I had forgotten how much I enjoy
the end of games when it’s only us Pats fans still watching. The game’s in hand. It’s just time to relax and enjoy the ending (including some classic fan reactions!)
True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.
by Hometown Gyro on Nov 14, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
"Bill Belichick has once again showed
that he can make a winning defense out of street players."
Let’s not get crazy here. This is still a scout team defense that has shown that it can and will be completely torn apart by competent QBs that don’t murder themselves with bad reads and bad decisions.
Sanchez is awful and we all know it, so let’s not rush to pat the secondary too hard on the back (like Moore did to McCourty, in an example of things that will happen when you start garbage players) after watching the same JAGs get ripped by Roethlisberger and Eli.
Gotta enjoy the wins when they happen man
The Jets would have celebrated this win like the Super Bowl, regardless that they would have won a game agaisnt the “league’s worst defense by far”. I have no problem enjoying the win the day after and feeling a bit optimistic. Why not? Right now the team is 6-3 and atop the AFC East. That’s a good place to be regardless of the evident flaws.
Keep the faith!
The pass rush
was great in this game, and, IMO would be great against any QB if it plays at the level it did last night.
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Nov 14, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
Belichick should take notice
I hope Belichick sees what a good pass rush can do to make all parts of the defense better. The patchwork nobodies on the secondary looked and played a lot better when the opposing QB did not have all day to find a receiver. I hope this will be part of the norm and not the exception. A good pass rush every game will help turn around the porous defense in the secondary. The good defensive game against the Jets will give confidence to the younger players. A good pass rush is a game changer on defense.
