Defensively, the New England Patriots came into MetLife Stadium on top of the league. The Patriots defense came in leading multiple categories in the NFL this week, including both passing and rushing touchdowns allowed. Interceptions have also been a strong suit for the Patriots this season, with fourteen picks in their first six games. New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold was back for his second start since being diagnosed with mononucleosis, sidelining the second-year starter for four weeks. Despite a strong showing last week, the Jets were plagued with turnovers on Monday night. The Patriots came out 7-0 on the game, winning in a 33-0 blowout. The Jets head into next week at 1-5 after a dismal performance.
Brady, Patriots Defense Standout in 33-0 Blowout of Jets
Patriots Defense Spooks Darnold
Coming off their first victory of the season, the Jets looked to continue their success against the Patriots. Quarterback Sam Darnold had himself a night, posting only his third 300-yard game in his young career. The New York Jets coaching staff hoped to capitalize on a career game heading into a matchup with the Patriots daunting pass defense. Darnold’s nightmare started early, throwing a pick to Devin McCourty on just his second play from scrimmage. The pick was McCourty’s fifth interception of the season, which leads the league this season.
The New England Patriots defense recorded five turnovers on the day. Darnold threw four interceptions, his career-high in both college and the pros. The Jets quarterback looked to have a case of the jitters, throwing a lot of balls under heavy pressure and on his back foot. Darnold’s fifth turnover of the night came on a John Simon strip sack, as Simon rushed untouched and forced the ball to come loose.
The Jets offensive line was no help to Darnold today, as there was many instances in the game where Patriots defenders rushed untouched on Darnold. Many of those plays led to wildly inconsistent throws from Darnold, who was heard at one point on the Monday Night Football broadcast uttering on the sidelines that he was ‘seeing ghosts.’ Jets head coach Adam Gase did the quarterback no help, leaving him in for the entirety of the game.
When he’s not catching interceptions, he’s causing them.
Pressured by @McCourtyTwins & picked by @BumpNrunGilm0re! pic.twitter.com/iae6pO8VGZ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2019
Tom Brady Shines Against Jets Defense
Tom Brady and the Patriots extended their win streak against the New York Jets on Monday night, coming out with their eighth straight victory. New England’s offense came out on a tear, outgaining the Jets 141 yards to 14 in the first quarter. The onslaught continued for the duration of the game, as Brady and the Patriots offense appeared unstoppable.
In the passing game, Brady looked his stellar self on Monday. The Patriots quarterback finished the game with 249 passing yards and a passing touchdown. Brady appeared to be locked-in on his throws during the game, slipping throws into tight windows to find the open receiver. The Patriots run game also made the highlight reel, led by sophomore running back Sony Michel. Despite only gaining forty-two yards on nineteen carries, the former Georgia product found the endzone three times on the day. Despite a lot of help from the defense, the entire Patriots offense appeared to be on point.
Patriots Look to Continue Success as Schedule Strengthens
New England’s first seven games this season have been nothing short of a cakewalk. With a schedule of opponents that holds a combined record of 12-32, the Patriots have yet to see a real challenge this season. That being said, the Patriots have struggled at points throughout the season. The offense struggled against Buffalo, where the Patriots narrowly squeaked out a six-point victory.
The Patriots schedule ahead will be their toughest test of the 2019 season. The stretch begins with a home match-up against the Cleveland Browns, a game that lacks the excitement it boasted heading into the season. The Patriots then head to M&T Bank Stadium to take on the 5-2 Baltimore Ravens, before matchups against the Eagles, Texans, and Chiefs. With a combined record of 20-14, these teams should be a true test for the Patriots.
Looking Ahead: Patriots Stay Home for Matchup with Cleveland
The New England Patriots (7-0) will get one more week of home cooking as they stay at Gillette Stadium in week eight for a matchup with the struggling Cleveland Browns (2-5). Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield will look to turn Cleveland’s season around against the ball-hawking secondary of the New England Patriots. The game takes place on Sunday at 4:25 pm ET. (CBS)
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