Week 7 Patriots vs Jets: Three Stars of the Game

Honorable Mentions: Tight end Rob Gronkowski and linebacker Jamie Collins. Gronkowski set a career high with 11 receptions, and converted that for 108 yards and a touchdown. Collins was an absolutely key member of the Patriots defense that found a way to stifle the Jets rushing attack. They deserve plenty of credit for their performance.

Third Star: Wide receiver Danny Amendola is the little engine that could, picking up 8 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. Fellow receiver Julian Edelman had a second-consecutive rough outing and Amendola was there to pick up the slack and take advantage of the Jets secondary depth. While Gronkowski might've put up better numbers, Amendola made impossible catch after impossible catch to regain the lead.

Second Star: Linebacker Dont'a Hightower stood out as he returned from his rib injury and he collected 10 tackles on the day. He sniffed out Chris Ivory runs left and right and Jets running backs collected 60 yards on 24 carries (2.5 yards per carry). If you asked the Patriots ift hey would be happy holding the Jets to 2.5 yards per carry, they would ask for that performance every single Sunday.

First Star: Quarterback Tom Brady was responsible for 61 of the Patriots 66 offensive plays. James White had 2 carries for 4 yards. LeGarrette Blount had 3 carries for -3 yards. That is not a typo; Blount averaged -1.0 yards per carry. Brady went 34/54 for 355 passing yards 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. He added 4 carries for 15 yards and a touchdown dive at the goal line, leading the team in rushing for the first time in his career. Brady improves to 16-7 when asked to throw the ball 50+ times. No other quarterback with 10+ games has a winning record. Peyton Manning is 4-13. Drew Brees is 3-12. Brady is better at putting the team on his back than any other quarterback in history.