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The Patriots defeated the Jets 10-3 on Sunday thanks to a dramatic punt return touchdown from New England rookie Marcus Jones with only five seconds remaining.
Beyond the punt return, Sunday’s game was an inspiring display from Bill Belichick’s defense, which limited the Jets to just 2.1 yards per play throughout the low-scoring clash of AFC East rivals. Still, a lack of production from the Patriots’ offense continues to be a serious point of concern.
Here are a few takeaways as New England improved to 6-4 on the season:The Patriots defense was excellent.
Jets quarterback Zack Wilson finished the game with just nine completions. His team finished with 10 punts. That statistical comparison alone helps explain the utter ineffectiveness of New York’s offense.
Wilson escaped without throwing an interception — compared with the three he threw in the teams’ first matchup in October — but only because Patriots defenders dropped multiple passes that could’ve resulted in turnovers.
Matthew Judon once again spearheaded the Patriots’ pass rush, notching 1.5 sacks (bringing his season total to 13.5).
Yet it was a collective dominance from New England’s defense that highlighted the win. In the second half, the Jets went three-and-out on five straight drives, and punted on each of the team’s possessions in the third and fourth quarters aside from the game’s final play.Mac Jones continues to search for a breakout game.
For the second straight game, Mac Jones was able to avoid any turnovers, completing 23 of 27 passes for 246 yards.
However, the New England offensive output was far from anything that could reasonably be described as quality.
