Photo courtesy of Mary Schwalm / AP

When the Patriots decided to spend a boatload of money this off-season in free agency, we applauded Bill Belichick for upgrading the talent, especially on offense.

The additions of Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne and Mac Jones meant the Patriots finally had a skill group that would allow them to play they want. For six games, this group struggled with consistency. They finally put it all together today.

Josh McDaniels called his best game of the season in the Patriots 54-13 blowout win over the Jets.

McDaniels used gadgets, multiple formations, personnel groupings and concepts to get the most out of this skill group.

Media and fans alike have been clamoring for more touches for Smith and Agholor. Both got featured today as McDaniels got them the ball in creative ways. Smith ran the ball on a hey sweep and on a screen. Agholor caught the swing screen pass from Bourne. It was a good way to incorporate both players into the game plan this week.

You could make the argument that the Patriots wasted some of the plays they ran today against Jets. The truth is, it doesn’t matter. The Patriots needed a game like today on offense. They needed a big game to give them confidence and they got it. Besides. You can always draw up more plays trick plays so there is no need to save anything.

The hope is the Patriots use this breakthrough performance today as the impetus for more consistent play on offense. If they can build on it, they will finally meet the expectations everyone had for this offense.