3 reasons why the Patriots got steamrolled by the Jets
The Patriots got crushed by the Jets. Here are a few reasons why.
The Jets dominated their matchup with the Patriots on Thursday night.
New England only mustered 139 yards of total offense. The Patriots had rushed for more yards than that the previous two weeks.
Aaron Rodgers easily picked apart the shorthanded Patriots defense.
The offensive line failed to protect both Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye.
The Patriots were held under 10 points for the first time this season. Here are three reasons why they lost.
Jets were more physical in the run game
After last week’s loss to Seattle, coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that these Patriots are not a fancy football team.
For the previous two weeks, New England was able to move the ball effectively on the ground. The offensive line, even with its pass protection woes, was able to do enough in the run game to keep the ball moving somewhat consistently.
Thursday night was different. The Jets stuffed the New England run game early, and the Patriots pretty much abandoned it in the second half after falling down by double digits.
Rhamondre Stevenson was held to 23 yards on 6 carries fumbled for the third game in a row. Antonio Gibson only got two touches in the ground game.
The Patriots’ defense is missing two of its best players in Christian Barmore and Ja’Whaun Bentley and it showed. Braelon Allen and Breece Hall combined for over 100 yards despite not having a carry more than 11 yards long. It was a steady, tough, and physical effort from New York’s backs and offensive line.
Offensive line woes
It was a long night for the Patriots offensive line. They were unable to establish the run, which made an already suspect passing game even more vulnerable.
The Jets were in the Patriots’ backfield all night. Jacoby Brissett was sacked five times. Drake Maye, who took over for the final few minutes, was sacked on the final play of the game.
There were multiple occasions where rushers came in completely unblocked. And communication issues were just part of the problem. There were plenty of instances when the offensive line got straight up overpowered.
This offensive line has consistently struggled with pass protection even when healthy. Injuries have taken their toll, too; New England started a pair of rookies in Caedan Wallace and Layden Robinson.
Wallace left the game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury, making an already thin depth chart at offensive tackle even thinner.
The Jets generated pressure all over the field, and it was not a pretty sight for the Patriots.
Aaron Rodgers picked them apart
Aaron Rodgers turned in a highly-efficient performance, going 27-for-35 with 281 yards, a pair of touchdowns, and no interceptions.
The 40-year-old Rodgers did not have to do much with his legs or uncork big throws to slice up the Patriots defense. He methodically picked them apart using the quick game.
Short, quick routes were the recipe for success, along with exploiting mismatches such as 6-foot-5, 227-pound Allen Lazard when the Patriots had smaller cornerbacks on him.
Rodgers fed tight-end Tyler Conklin consistently. He spread the ball around, hitting eight different receivers for multiple catches apiece. A savvy performance from the four-time league MVP.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com