AP Photo/Adam Hunger

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The Patriots came into their Week 17 match up against the New York Jets limping, with seven starters or key contributors listed as out prior to the game. The goal coming into the game was to run the ball, play good defense, stay healthy and get out of it unscathed.

Well the Patriots shattered those expectations in a 42-10 romp that was never a game. New England jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and a 35-3 lead at the half and dog walked the Jets in their final home game of the season.

Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel praised the guys on his team who stepped up against the Jets and did what they needed to do to help the Patriots win the game.

“I think from the get-go, we’ve tried to focus on having everybody that’s here prepare as a starter, coach them the same, make sure that everybody knows that when you come in there in the meeting room during the week, that at any point in time, up until Saturday or before four o’clock, that you could be elevated or signed. We didn’t really have to do that much during the beginning part of the season.  Then all of a sudden, our depth got tested.  I think it was really important for this week for guys to step up.”

It was all hands on deck, from the players to the coaching staff. Vrabel also praised his coaches, specially his coordinators who put the players in position to succeed.

“What Josh [McDaniels] and the offensive staff were able to do with managing guys and different personnel groups and using everybody was really good. What Zak [Kuhr] and the defense has been able to do with some guys out, and then obviously what Jeremy [Springer] and Tom [Quinn] are able to do with all the moving parts on special teams. I appreciate every single one of those coaches that help us, help our players get ready for the games.”

Football becomes a game of attrition down the stretch. Teams depth gets tested and starters have to play though things, especially in the playoffs. Vrabel acknowledged that everyone who is on the roster is going to need to play at some point.

“Everybody’s going to have to play. We’re going to need everybody’s best effort and preparation and execution. I think the more that you can get them into the game, and whether it’s two minutes, some on the ball, and guys that really haven’t had that, but they practice all year, they work extremely hard. I’m excited to see them to be able to go out there and make some plays that helped us win and be excited. That’s the most important thing, that we’re just excited to get a stop there at the end of the game, the guys that are in there, because they put a lot of time into, and they deserve our best.”

In some ways, this week was a blessing for the Patriots. Their depth was tested and guys stepped up and answered the bell. That bodes well for the rest of the season.

You are only as good as your roster. Every team in the NFL has top end talent, the championship teams have an entire roster that is talented. After Sunday, the Patriots proved they have the requisite depth to compete for a championship.