The Patriots came from behind to beat the New York Jets 25-22. Drake Maye left in the second quarter with a concussion but Jacoby Brissett and the offense stepped up in the second half and got the job done.
The defense did their part to keep the Patriots in the game and Brissett and the offense did the rest, capping off the game with a winning drive and a much needed win.
Here are seven points on today’s win.
1. Drake Maye leaves the game with a concussion: Drake Maye left the game in the second quarter with a concussion. Maye was hit in the side of the head by Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood after sliding on a scramble. He stayed in the game for the remainder of the series but did not return.
Maye has kept the Patriots relevant. It will be interesting to see how long he is out and if the Patriots try to protect him moving forward.
2. Patriots show resiliency in win: Say what you will but the Patriots showed a lot of resilience in today’s win over the Jets. They could have tapped out after losing Drake Maye and falling behind, but they did not. They kept fighting and were rewarded with a win. If you doubted whether or not they are still playing for Jerod Mayo, you got your answer today.
3. Update. Patriots are not soft: Jerod Mayo said his team was playing soft earlier this week and to their credit, the Patriots responded and proved to Mayo and anyone else that they are far from soft. There are a lot of proud veterans in the team’s locker room and they guys stepped it up and led the team to a win. A much needed win.
4. Defense steps up and stops the run: The run defense was much better on Sunday than the past three weeks, limiting the Jets to 112 yards rushing. It was a solid performance from a unit that has been much maligned this season. To do what they do against one of the more talented skill groups in the NFL was impressive.
5. Brissett steps up: Jacoby Brissett proved on Sunday that he can still be a valuable piece for this team, coming off the bench to lead them to a win. Brissett may not be starting material, but he is a good back up who knows the system and can step in and play. Brissett completed 15-of-24 passes for 132 yards. After the game he was asked if his performance was a form of redemption for him.
“I don’t look at it as no redemption. I think this is a testament to me believing in myself and not y’all. I’m very aware of that. I was very fortunate to have this opportunity. To go out there and get a win with our guys, it was sweet. You can’t put it into words. I’m not trying to, like, be arrogant or nothing, but I’m very proud of myself today.”
6. Offensive line holds their own against tough pass rush: For the second time all season, the Patriots started the same offensive line combination and it paid dividends. They held up well against one of the best defensive line units in the NFL. Quinnen Williams was a problem, but when isn’t he? Every team will have a problem blocking him. Other than Williams however, the offensive line played much than they did in the Week 3 match-up.
7. AVP calls solid game down the stretch: Van Pelt has received his fair share of criticism this season and rightfully so but I thought he called a good game, especially in the second half. He is clearly getting better at using the talent on this team and the players seem more comfortable in the system. The receivers could have made more plays but overall, the offense did what they needed to do to win this game on Sunday and that is a credit to Van Pelt.