Patriots vs Jets snap count report: New England empties the bench in blowout

It was a good ole’ fashioned Patriots vs Jets blowout!

Rolling into this week as a team that played to the level of their opponent, the New England Patriots seemed to do everything possible to change that narrative. They dominated the New York Jets in all three phases on their way to a 54-13 victory.

In the game, New England tried a few things that they hadn’t done much throughout the season. Jonnu Smith lined up in the backfield, the defense played an attacking style in the run game, and Josh McDaniels got tricky early and often. How did the roster’s usage contribute to those changes on the field? Let’s find out!

Offense

Total snaps: 76

OT Isaiah Wynn (76; 100%), G Ted Karras (76; 100%), C David Andrews (76; 100%), OT Michael Onwenu (76; 100%), QB Mac Jones (64; 84%), G Shaq Mason (60; 79%), TE Hunter Henry (60; 79%), WR Jakobi Meyers (59; 78%), WR Nelson Agholor (43; 57%), WR Kendrick Bourne (41; 54%), Damien Harris (35; 46%), WR N’Keal Harry (30; 39%), FB Jakob Johnson (28; 37%), RB Brandon Bolden (21; 28%), RB J.J. Taylor (20; 26%), TE Jonnu Smith (17; 22%), G James Ferentz (16; 21%), OT Justin Herron (14; 18%), QB Brian Hoyer (12; 16%), WR Gunner Olszewski (9; 12%), WR Matthew Slater (3; 4%)

In a day where they moved the ball at will, every offensive player on the roster —save for Yodny Cajuste— got to play offensive snaps.

Brian Hoyer came into the game in relief of Mac Jones for the first time this season, logging 12 snaps, while James Ferentz came into the game at guard for the injured Shaq Mason. The rest of New England’s starting offensive line, Isaiah Wynn, Ted Karras, David Andrews and Michael Onwenu, were the players who were able to go the distance.

Despite there being a concerted effort to get him the ball early on, tight end Jonnu Smith played just 22% of the snaps due to a shoulder injury. His partner in crime Hunter Henry took on the bulk of the load in his absence, playing a season high of 79% of snaps. The wide receiver room carried on with the pecking order that has been set. Jakobi Meyers leads the way in snaps played while Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, and N’Keal Harry all trail him in that order.

Damien Harris led the running backs with 35 snaps played, while third down back Brandon Bolden, and backup J.J. Taylor finished with 21 and 20 respectively.

Defense

Total snaps: 64

LB Kyle Van Noy (62; 95%), LB Matthew Judon (59; 91%), CB Jalen Mills (56; 86%), DB Myles Bryant (56; 86%), S Kyle Dugger (54; 83%), S Adrian Phillips (53; 82%), CB J.C. Jackson (52; 80%), LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (45; 69%), DT Christian Barmore (41; 63%), CB Joejuan Williams (34; 52%), DT Lawrence Guy (28; 43%), LB Josh Uche (28; 43%), DT Davon Godchaux (26; 40%), DT Carl Davis (23; 35%), DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (23; 35%), S Devin McCourty (18; 28%), DT Daniel Ekuale (17; 26%), LB Jamie Collins Sr. (16; 25%), CB Justin Bethel (10; 15%), LB Jahlani Tavai (7; 11%), LB Harvey Langi (5; 8%), LB Brandon King (2; 3%)

Though it may seem like it, not everything went perfect for the Patriots. Devin McCourty, Harvey Langi, Carl Davis, all of whom started the game, left with injuries.

Rookie Christian Barmore is ever so close to claiming his spot as New England’s best defensive lineman, leading the unit in snaps played (41) for the first time this season. Lawrence Guy and Davon Godchaux came in far second and third place with 28 and 26 respectively, while Carl Davis, Deatrich Wise Jr, and Daniel Ekuale all trailed in the 17-23 range.

Though he did come out of the game due to injury, it doesn’t look as if Harvey Langi had much of a role other than first down run stopper, as the Patriots stuck to their classic linebacker rotation with and without him. Kyle Van Noy, Matthew Judon, and Ja’Whaun Bentley led the way, playing 45 snaps and above, while Josh Uche, Jamie Collins, Jahlani Tavai, and even Brandon King filled in the gaps on sub packages.

Just added to the roster and already making an impact, Myles Bryant strolled into Gillette Stadium and led all safeties in snaps played. Of course that says something about the Devin McCourty injury, but also speaks to the kind of versatility that Bryant has as he started the same game at cornerback. In an eventual blowout, the Patriots started rotating DB’s to keep them fresh so you’ve got a couple of wonky numbers like J.C. Jackson (80%) and Joejuan Williams (52%) after being a healthy scratch.

Special Teams

Total snaps: 27

P Jake Bailey (20; 74%), WR Matthew Slater (18; 67%), CB Justin Bethel (18; 67%), LB Brandon King (18; 67%), S Cody Davis (18; 67%), RB Brandon Bolden (16; 59%), WR Gunner Olszewski (15; 56%), LB Jahlani Tavai (15; 56%), FB Jakob Johnson (14; 52%), S Kyle Dugger (13; 48%), DT Lawrence Guy (12; 44%), S Adrian Phillips (10; 37%), LS Joe Cardona (10; 37%), K Nick Folk (9; 33%), OT Yodny Cajuste (3; 11%), OL Michael Onwenu (9; 33%), G Ted Karras (9; 33%), OT Isaiah Wynn (9; 33%), OT Justin Herron (9; 33%), G Shaq Mason (7; 26%), LB Harvey Langi (7; 26%), CB Jalen Mills (6; 22%), LB Jamie Collins Sr. (5; 19%),LB Matthew Judon (4; 15%), TE Hunter Henry (3; 11%), CB Joejuan Williams (3; 11%), LB Josh Uche (3; 11%), G James Ferentz (2; 7%), DB Myles Bryant (2; 7%), CB J.C. Jackson (2; 7%), DT Davon Godchaux (1; 4%), DT Carl Davis (1; 4%)

Another week, another season high in special teamers played.

New England rolled out 32 separate players on their special teams units this week, good enough for most in the NFL this season.

Did Not Play

n/a

Brian Hoyer got to play!

Inactive

LB Dont’a Hightower, LB Ronnie Perkins, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, TE Devin Asiasi, CB Shaun Wade, OL Yasir Durant

Linebacker Ronnie Perkins, tight end Devin Asiasi and cornerback Shaun Wade continued their stint on the inactive list, all having missed each of the Patriots’ seven games. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson joined them for his fourth inactive listing, despite averaging eight yards per touch last week. Offensive lineman Yasir Durant was a new addition, missing his first game of the season as a healthy scratch.

Starting linebacker Dont’a Hightower missed his first game of the season with ankle and elbow injuries. He practiced just once during the week.

DT Davon Godchaux was active despite missing the full week of practice, while running back J.J. Taylor and cornerback Joejuan Williams made their returns to the lineup following healthy scratches. Guard Shaq Mason also returned from an abdomen injury that kept him out for a couple of weeks.