Bill Belichick’s 429th and possibly final game as Patriots head coach saw an ugly affair in which punts far outnumbered points as the Jets got the road win 17-3, breaking a streak of 15 consecutive wins for New England in the series.
Not surprisingly given the weather conditions, the teams with losing records and the backup quarterbacks at the helm of two bad offenses, the far-less-than-capacity crowd at Gillette Stadium witnessed some rather ugly play in the first half. The teams traded punts, would-be turnovers and field goals to the tune of a 6-3 Jets advantage at halftime.
After New York coach Robert Saleh told Fox that the weather conditions were some of the worst he’d ever been a part of, the teams were shut out in the third quarter before New York put the final points of the day on the board with another field goal and a 50-yard Breece Hall touchdown run with less than two minutes to play.
The loss was the 178th of Belichick’s career, including postseason, tying former Cowboys coach Tom Landry for most in NFL history. It finalizes the Patriots record at 4-13 on the season, still in range of the No. 2 pick in April’s draft.
Before turning the page to management meetings and whatever the future holds for Belichick and the Patriots, here's a final look at the highs and lows from the season finale in Foxborough.
Thumbs up
Matthew Slater – Teammates and even owner Robert Kraft honored what is likely the final game of Slater’s legendary career by wearing sweatshirts with the Pro Bowl special teamer’s number and “Captain” on them. Slater then went out and got the chance to take part in 16 total punts between the two teams in what was a rock fight in the snow. Slater finished with one tackle in his final special teams action.
Bryce Baringer – It wasn’t perfect from the rookie, but in tough conditions and plenty of opportunities Baringer finished out the season in relatively strong fashion. His first kick of the day went for 63 yards, his 17th game with a punt 50 yards or longer. Overall he had not issues with ball-handling or snaps, as he punted 9 times for an 46.9-yard average with two inside the 20.
Ezekiel Elliott – The veteran running back was the workhorse centerpiece of the offense in the finale, even if it never led to a ton of production. Elliott ran for a tough 54 yards on 13 carries (4.2 avg.) in the unsure footing. He also caught a team-best 5 passes for 27 yards from Zappe. Elliott gave what he had behind a suspect line and as the lone real productive option for a team with limited options left to turn to.
Thumbs down
Mac Jones – A difficult third NFL season closed out with the former first-round pick and perceived franchise starter on the inactive list as New England’s third, emergency QB. Jones’ future in Foxborough is as uncertain as anyone’s. Maybe the team was protecting a would-be trade asset. Maybe not.
Either way it’s a far cry from where Jones or his team expected the QB to be at this point.
Bailey Zappe – His first throw of the day wasn’t intercepted, but it easily could have been on a screen attempt to Elliott. His next throw could have gotten the veteran running back killed had he not made an understandable survival decision. Zappe’s first game in the snow didn’t go well as he never really looked comfortable against a solid Jets defense in the unfamiliar elements. He then threw a pair of interceptions in the final minutes, one of which was fumbled back to New England before Zappe gave it right back a play later. He finished completing just 12 of 30 passes (40-percent) for 88 yards 20.1 passer rating on a day when he got little help from his line or his remaining weapons.
Pass protection – Rookie Jake Andrews got his first career start on the line. Vederian Lowe was at left tackle. David Andrews may have been playing his last game at center in New England. And the overall mix just wasn't good. David Andrews got beaten by Jets dominant defensive lineman Quinnen Williams on the second series to force a punt. Lowe was beaten by badly by Bryce Huff off the left edge for a sack to force a punt on New England’s fourth possession, four straight three-and-outs to open the game. A jailbreak sack ended another drive late in the fourth quarter. New York notched 7 sacks in the snow, spread around five different defenders with a pair each for Williams and Huff.
Foxborough "Faithful" -- Yes it was snowing. Yes it was cold. Yes the team had just four wins and an ugly offense. But it was still sad to see just how small a crowd showed up for what was widely projected as Belichick's final game with the Patriots. The coach gave so much enjoyment to what he called "passionate" fans over the last 24 years, obviously including six Super Bowl titles. Yet a full crowd couldn't even show up on Sunday against the Jets. Not a good look for the fanbase.
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