Here are the winners and losers from the New England Patriots’ 33-0 blowout win over the New York Jets in Week 7 at Gillette Stadium.
Winner: Bill Belichick, coach
He is really good at what he does.
Belichick has seen two defensive coordinators depart in the last two seasons. He has made two Super Bowl appearances (which is usually death knell for a team in the following season because of the Super Bowl hangover). And yet Belichick has fielded the NFL’s best defense. They look absolutely unstoppable.
Winner: Josh McDaniels, OC, Patriots
The Patriots offensive coordinator did everything he could to get Sony Michel running efficiently. McDaniels put tight ends Ben Watson and Eric Tomlinson at fullback. The Patriots also tried linebacker Elandon Roberts and center James Ferentz at fullback. The run game wasn’t perfect but it looked a little slightly better, with Michel rushing for three touchdowns.
Because they relied on the run game, Tom Brady was efficient while completing 69 percent of his passes for 249 yards, one touchdown and an interception. There wasn’t even an offensive player who was statistically outstanding. Michel led the team with 45 rushing yards and James White led the team with 59 receiving yards. But with help from their terrific defense, the Patriots offense methodically put up 3 points — and they made it look easy.
Loser: Sam Darnold, QB, Jets
During the game, Darnold admitted he was “seeing ghosts.” It showed. The Jets quarterback was 11 of 32 for 86 yards and four interceptions. For much of the game, he didn’t seem to know what he was doing. Belichick and his personnel clearly outsmarted Darnold.
Winner: Sony Michel, RB, Patriots
As mentioned, he scored three touchdowns. But the Patriots also showed they’re willing to put together packages while experimenting with personnel to put Michel in a position to succeed. He’s having a rough year, largely because the offensive line has been struggling. So Belichick and McDaniels are clearly trying to compensate for that.
In a way, Michel should consider it a compliment that Belichick and McDaniels are going out of their way to get him running better. The efficiency still wasn’t quite there: 2.2 yards per carry.
Loser: Darnold
Did I mention he was bad?
After a performance like the one the Patriots had, I’m having a hard time pointing to a loser.
If we’re going to name a new loser, let’s go with Adam Gase. Supposedly an offensive guru, he was embarrassed at MetLife Stadium. His offense did little to help the quarterback succeed.
Winner: The interception gang
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safeties Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon and Terrence Brooks all logged interceptions.
What a ridiculous night for the secondary.
Loser: Bill Belichick, coach
There was one situation where the Patriots coach lost.
In the fourth quarter, the Patriots were in no-man’s-land on the 33-yard line on a fourth-and-2. They were apparently too far to kick a field goal. They didn’t deem a fourth-down conversion attempt worthwhile. So they punted. But Belichick wanted to give his punter Jake Bailey more room to work. They let the play clock run with hopes of moving back five yards, but Gase declined the delay of game penalty. The Patriots committed an offsides (on purpose), and again, Gase declined.
That brought a rare smile to Belichick’s face.
