UMass Lowell Connector Logo

Patriots fall to 1-2 after deflating loss to the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football

(Photo courtesy of New York Jets) “Aaron Rodgers and Jacoby Brissett face off”

Shaan Baid
Connector Editor

The New England Patriots started the season 1-2 under Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach, following Bill Belichick’s resignation. New England’s 3-24 loss to the Jets on Thursday Night Football mimics last season’s struggles, especially on offense.

After upsetting the Cincinnati Bengals during Week 1 in a shocking 16-10 win, the Patriots had many reasons to feel optimistic about their future. Last year, the Patriots finished 4-13 at the bottom of the AFC East while landing the No. 3 pick in the 2024 Draft, which they used to select UNC quarterback Drake Maye.

Their defense looked dominant, limiting the high-powered Bengals offense to 10 points. Second-year pro defensive end Keion White recorded 2.5 sacks. Meanwhile, promising young cornerback Christian Gonzalez held Bengals superstar receiver Ja’Marr Chase to just three receptions for 15 yards when covering him.

Under new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, New England established a strong run game with running back Rhamondre Stevenson recording 120 yards and one rushing TD on 25 carries in the win. Starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett was an effective game manager in the outing.

In Week 2, the Patriots lost a nailbiter to the Seattle Seahawks, losing 20-23 in overtime. Despite the loss, New England looked competitive. Tight end Hunter Henry recorded 109 receiving yards on eight receptions. They amassed 177 yards on the ground with running backs Antonio Gibson (96 yards, 11 carries) and Rhamondre Stevenson (81 yards, 21 carries). Brissett threw for 149 yards and a touchdown on 15/27 completions.

The defense gave up 327 passing yards but held Seattle to 20 points in regulation. Seahawks WRs DK Metcalf (129 yards, 10 receptions) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (117 yards, 12 receptions) combined for 246 receiving yards.

However, New England looked every bit of the team that went 4-13 last year on Thursday night against the Jets.

Much of New England’s issues on offense were caused by the offensive line. Per Pro Football Network, the Patriots offensive line ranks 32nd, dead-last in the league throughout the first two weeks of the season. Brissett was constantly blitzed by the Jets’ pass rush, leading to the offensive line getting beat. Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV had a big day, recording two sacks. Overall, New England had 7 punts, a fumble and a field goal throughout the game.

Brissett struggled to connect on big plays when he had time in the pocket, totaling just 98 passing yards on 12/18 completions. Some fans were calling for Maye to start with how inept the offense looked.

On the flip side, Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers impressed in his much-anticipated return to the Meadowlands, following his Achilles tear in the Jets’ season-opener against the Bills in 2023.

The future HOFer threw for 281 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was a vintage performance as Rodgers was able to move well outside of the pocket, connecting on several big throws on the run.

After their first drive, the Jets scored three touchdowns and a field goal on 4 of their final 7 drives. New England’s defense struggled to put together enough stops to keep them in the game. With a 14-3 halftime lead, the game already felt over with how New England’s offense looked.

Jets running backs Breece Hall (54 yards, 16 carries) and Braelon Allen (55 yards, 11 carries) dominated the Patriots’ defensive line, combining for 109 yards on the ground.

The Patriots face a daunting task next week as they take on the reigning NFC champs, the San Francisco 49ers at 4:05 p.m. on Sept. 29. The Week 3 loss appears to be a reality check for how the Patriots’ season will look. It remains to be seen when Drake Maye will take over the starting role given how abysmal the offensive line has been.

Related posts