FOXBORO — The Patriots didn’t fall into a trap game on a short week. Mike Vrabel’s squad extended their winning streak to eight games with a 27-14 win over the Jets on « Thursday Night Football. » The Patriots are now 9-2 on the season and atop the AFC standings, at least until the Broncos play Sunday afternoon.
The Patriots didn’t fall into a trap game on a short week.
Mike Vrabel’s squad extended their winning streak to eight games with a 27-14 win over the Jets on “Thursday Night Football.” The Patriots are now 9-2 on the season and in sole possession of first place in the AFC standings, at least until the Broncos play Sunday afternoon.
Like many games played Thursday night on short rest, this was a sloppy game, though the Patriots’ offense and defense still showed moments of brilliance in the win over their AFC East rivals.
Surprise, surprise: The Patriots’ defense started slow, allowing a 5-yard touchdown run from Jets quarterback Justin Fields on the game’s opening series. The 14-play, 72-yard drive lasted 8 minutes and 4 seconds. The Jets passed the ball just three times for 16 yards and picked up 56 yards on the ground.
It’s fair to say the Patriots’ offense responded well, going on their own 13-play, 69-yard drive, assisted by a personal foul penalty on Jets cornerback Jarvin Brownlee Jr., who slammed wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the turf late after a catch. Drake Maye was a perfect 5-for-5 before rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson scored on a 7-yard run, getting pushed into the endzone by half the Patriots’ offense.
The Patriots’ defense quickly forced a three-and-out, putting their high-powred offense back on the field. Henderson scored on another 7-yard touchdown run after an eight-play, 83-yard drive that saw QB Drake Maye complete a 23-yard pass to tight end Hunter Henry and two straight 19-yard targets to Mack Hollins. Maye began the game 9-of-9 for 97 yards.
After another Jets three-and-out, the Patriots picked up one first down before punting following a third-down drop from Stefon Diggs.
