That was every bit as ugly as expected. But the Patriots proved once again they can handle the Jets any time they want.
New England's defense sat back and let Zach Wilson (3 INTs) implode and played strong special teams to help carry a rusty Mac Jones and the Patriots' offense to a 22-17. It's the team's 13th consecutive win over their division "rivals," who still can't get it done against Bill Belichick, who passed George Halas for second place in all-time coaching wins (including the playoffs) with 325.
At least for the time being, a "W" will blunt the edge of the quarterback insanity surrounding Belichick's squad and get them back on a potential track to stay in the postseason hunt.
Mac Jones still struggling but keeps pushing through.
There were times when Jones (24/35 passing, 194 yards, TD, INT) looked like the Pro Bowler who helped lead his team to 10 wins and the playoffs as a rookie even with his offensive line under siege against a tenacious Jets front that had six sacks.
His interception, for example, was a result of Marcus Cannon getting thrashed around the edge by Bryce Huff and allowing the edge rusher to hit Jones from behind.
But then there's the atrocious 4th-and-1 play that should've gone to Hunter Henry, who was open in the flat past the sticks, but instead went over the head of a covered Jakobi Meyers.
Even worse was the pick-six to Michael Carter that was called back due to a roughing the passer called on Jonathan Franklin-Myers; that might've been the worst throw Jones has yet made in a Patriots uniform.
He had another near-INT later on a ball that clanked off of Isaiah Wynn's helmet but ended up hitting the ground harmlessly.
Still, it wasn't all bad, and there were drives when he consistently pushed the right buttons in the quick game that had eluded him early in the season.
Jones was a passenger on this victory ride, to be sure. But I'm sure he and the Patriots will take it for now.
Rhamondre Stevenson might be the Patriots' best player.
Even with Damien Harris healthy for a second straight week, it's full-on StevenSZN for Foxboro's football team.
The Jets didn't make life easy on Stevenson at all, but he kept creating extra yards all afternoon to put the New England offense on his back at times. He also made himself a strong outlet for Jones in the passing game, including snaring one slightly off-target throw with one hand before heading up the field.
So far, he's been everything the Patriots hoped he'd be as an every-down back. In the process, he's made Damien Harris, one of the hardest runners in the league, something of an afterthought, which could be of interest with the trade deadline coming up.
The second-year back is by far the team's best offensive player. From there, it's between him and Matthew Judon when it comes to the squad as a whole. He's that good right now.
Special teams rebounds after rough performance.
Last week against the Chicago Bears, every single phase of the team let them down at one point or another, including special teams.
Cam Achord's unit made sure to put a more positive stamp on this contest.
After getting a piece of a field goal attempt that snuck through against the Bears, rookie Jack Jones bolted around the end and tipped Greg Zuerlein's missed field goal in the second half. His explosiveness has been a weapon off the edge on field goal blocks, and teams have to start accounting for it.
Brenden Schooler had yet another impressive stop on a kickoff return and is looking like a clairvoyant addition to this team as a special teams star.
Marcus Jones ripped off his first big punt return of the year -- a 32-yard scamper -- thanks in part to a big block from Jabrill Peppers.
Nick Folk remains a rock for this team, knocking down all five of his field goal attempts and even hitting from 52 yards.
Defense keeps its cool while Wilson gives away the game.
It was always a matter of "when" rather than "if" Wilson was going to throw the Patriots the football.
Ja'Whaun Bentley nabbed the first of Wilson's three picks on a hilarious overthrow as the Jets' quarterback bailed out of the pocket.
Then, Devin McCourty nabbed the next two on two more WTF throws from Wilson as the quarterback rolled to his right and refused to throw the football away -- or did so poorly, in the case of the first game.
Sure, the Jets came into the game 5-2 and remain well ahead of the Patriots in the standings with this game over. But if you've been watching Wilson, you knew he'd happily give this football game if allowed to.
The second-year quarterback made some throws in this game that Jones probably can't based on pure physical ability. But those highs are nowhere near frequent enough to make you forget that many lows.
As long as he insists on playing this poorly, it's hard to take the Jets seriously.
