Quick-hit thoughts on the Patriots’ 33-0 win over the Jets: This defense is scary

It’s not often you see a defense dominate the way the New England Patriots’ did on Monday night against the New York Jets. Not only did the unit completely shut down the Jets’ offense, but it also had Sam Darnold seeing ghosts in the backfield. It ended up being one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen by a quarterback, and, while Darnold certainly deserves a lot of blame, the Patriots defense deserves a lot of credit.

New England’s offense started the game with an almost nine-minute, 16-play touchdown drive, capped by the first of Sony Michel’s three touchdowns of the night. Certainly a solid start to the game, to which Darnold responded by throwing an interception on his first pass attempt. This trend would continue through the rest of the game.

On their first eight possessions, the Jets had thrown four picks, lost a fumble, had a turnover on downs, and fumbled out of the back of the end zone for a safety. By then, it was 26-0 halfway through the third quarter, and the game was over. Darnold was more scared than a middle schooler in a haunted house. It was an a beatdown unlike one I’ve ever seen.

Throw in the fact that Jakobi Meyers looked good last night and that the Patriots just traded for Mohamed Sanu, and there is a lot to be happy about this Tuesday. It’s hard to imagine playing better defensively than the Patriots did last night, but it’ll be fun to watch them try.

Pat is a host of The Patriot Nation Podcast

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