So much for the New York Jets’ “unstoppable” offense.
That was the storyline out of Monday night after the New England Patriots’ 33-0 shutout victory over Gang Green. You could hear a pen drop at MetLife Stadium in the fourth quarter as the realization set in that the Jets weren’t any closer to competing in the AFC East, even with quarterback Sam Darnold back on the field. Or perhaps it was the emptied stands from disgruntled fans hoping to beat the postgame traffic.
An overall dominant performance quelled many of the concerns some had for the Patriots after a disappointing offensive showing against the New York Giants.
Led by what looks to be one of the league’s all-time great defenses, the Patriots appear to be a Super Bowl contender. Here are five takeaways from their blowout win over the Jets:
Brady throws fourth interception on an overall efficient night
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady would likely regurgitate the line about not doing everything well and needing to play better, but there’s no problem with a nice pat on the back after the team’s strong offensive effort on Monday night.
Granted, he did throw an interception for the fourth straight game, but the unit also found a way to move the ball up and down the field with limited offensive weapons. Wideout Josh Gordon missed the game due to a knee and ankle injury suffered over a week ago, and running back Rex Burkhead was downgraded to out with a lingering foot injury. That was on top of the continued absences of rookie first-round draft pick N’Keal Harry, starting left tackle Isaiah Wynn and both tight ends, Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo.
Yet, Brady and company made it work against a fired-up Jets defense that led an upset of the Dallas Cowboys. The 42-year-old quarterback had some beautiful throws, including a 26-yard dime to Phillip Dorsett for a touchdown.
It’s an offense that could clearly use more playmakers, but it’s also one that’s unafraid to play sandlot football with whoever is on the field.
Defense playing at an all-time great level
According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Patriots are the second team in NFL history to record multiple 30-plus-point shutouts in a season, joining the 1942 Bears.
Say whatever you want about the competition, but the kind of dominance the defense is putting on display isn’t normal at the NFL level. There was one point during the ESPN broadcast where Darnold could clearly be heard on the sideline saying, “I’m seeing ghosts.”
The Boogeymen must be real.
They forced Darnold into five turnovers on the night — four interceptions and one fumble — and a shocking 3.6 quarterback rating.
Time to put some respect on Jakobi Meyers’ name
The Patriots could certainly use another veteran playmaker like Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders, but after Monday night’s performance by rookie receiver Meyers, the team proved it could keep on rolling even if they aren’t able to pull off a trade by the Oct. 29 deadline.
[Editor’s note: The Patriots traded for Atlanta Falcons WR Mohamed Sanu on Tuesday morning.]
Brady seems to finally be bringing Meyers into the circle of trust with Julian Edelman and Dorsett. All five of his targets were hauled in by the 22-year-old undrafted standout at North Carolina State for a total of 47 yards. It wasn’t a breakout performance by any stretch, but it was another solid outing that served to build on the developing chemistry.
It’ll be interesting to see Meyers’ snap count when Gordon and Harry return from their injuries.
Brandon Bolden making the most of his opportunities
A week after rushing for a touchdown against the New York Giants, the backup running back was at it again. With Burkhead sidelined with an injury, the veteran tailback made the most of his opportunities by catching four passes for 39 yards.
One play in particular should make the highlight reel on Tuesday morning — a ridiculous circus grab on a 28-yard sideline throw. There aren’t many running backs in the league that could make a play like that.
His standout performances over the last couple weeks could earn him more opportunities in the offense, even when Burkhead finally returns.
Ben Watson still has gas in the tank
A nice surprise was seeing the 38-year-old tight end in the offense after being cut and then rejoining the team a week ago. His veteran presence is far from the long-term answer, but it does provide a much-needed boost to a tight end unit desperately hurting for playmakers.
After an early miscue with Brady, he bounced back by hauling in a third-down pass and helping to deliver a block that sprang running back Sony Michel free for a touchdown.
If the Patriots can find a consistent blocking tight end to pair with Watson, who should only improve as he builds a rapport with Brady, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels might finally be able to go to work in torching opposing defenses.
