Patriots Ups & Downs: Redemption for Damien Harris vs Jets

Author Matt Dolloff

September 19th, 2021 5:17 PM

The Patriots defeated the New York Jets 25-6 in a solid all-around effort on the road, getting back in the win column to move to 1-1. New England won on the strength of a dominating defensive performance, led by four interceptions, plus a handful of key plays on offense.

Here are the players (among other things) that we’re marking “UP” or “DOWN” after the Patriots’ win. Considering the one-sided nature of the game, there are more ups than downs to pull from this one.

• UP: RB Damien Harris

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  The box score isn't spectacular (62 yards on 16 carries, 3.9-yard average), but the one play that mattered for Harris against the Jets was his 26-yard touchdown run. Harris broke six tackles on his way to the end zone, as he and some teammates carried the pile over the goal line. The touchdown was a big swing in the game, as the two-play, 35-yard scoring drive came off an interception with the Patriots up only seven points at the time. One week after making the Patriots' biggest mistake in a loss, Harris makes the most crucial offensive play in a win.

• DOWN: OT Yasir Durant

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  Getting his first start of the season at right tackle after a solid debut in relief against the Dolphins, Durant dropped off the map against New York. He allowed three sacks, including two on one drive as the Jets picked on him early. The Pats had to bring in Justin Herron as a replacement during the game. The Patriots suddenly have an issue figuring out right tackle, if Trent Brown can't return in Week 3.

• UP: S Devin McCourty

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  McCourty factored into at least two of the Patriots' interceptions on the day, making one of them in the deep part of the field. He also helped make the first INT happen, tipping the ball out of the air to teammate J.C. Jackson. The Patriots defense seemed to flummox Zach Wilson throughout the game, leading to some bad decisions and errant throws, and McCourty was in the middle of all of it.
• DOWN: OT Isaiah Wynn

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  The Patriots haven't looked so hot at left tackle, either. Though they were able to clean up the turnovers against the Jets, they couldn't totally clean up the penalties. Two of them went to Wynn, one for a false start and another for holding. Wynn had a shaky preseason, and it's carried over.

• UP: CB J.C. Jackson

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  Mr. INT is back. Jackson made his first two picks of the season in a much more disruptive effort than we saw against Miami. Jackson also drew a flag for pass interference that set up the Jets deep in New England territory, but the interceptions were too important to take him off the list for that.

• UP: DT Christian Barmore

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  Barmore was more active than the box score suggests. He's in the books for just three total tackles against the Jets, but he was a handful up front all afternoon, as he generated real pressure up the middle and disrupted the Jets' running scheme. The rookie seems to be coming on perhaps earlier than expected, already starting to flash his big-time potential.
• DOWN: WR Kendrick Bourne

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  Just two catches for 10 yards for Bourne, who also took an end-around for 16 yards. But Bourne is "down" this week for one big reason: he very nearly fumbled away the Patriots' first possession of the game. All that talk about ball security and Bourne coughed the ball up before he went down. Luckily, referee Shawn Hochuli had whistled the play dead, ruling that Bourne's forward progress was stopped, so it wasn't a reviewable play. But even if the refs made the right call, Bourne needs to hold onto the ball all the way through the play to avoid potential turnover situations like that. Bourne also had a drop in the passing game.

• UP: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley

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  The Patriots needed someone to step up a bit at linebacker with Kyle Van Noy out, and Bentley was arguably their most active LB all afternoon. Bentley led the team with eight tackles, including one for a loss. He also broke up a pass and occasionally generated pressure up the middle against Wilson. This was one of the sharper, more explosive performances of Bentley's career as a Patriot.

• UP: K Nick Folk

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  Despite missing an extra point, Folk still gets the nod as an "Up" because he went 4-for-4 on field goals. He set a new franchise record for consecutive field goals made during the game, as he's up to 33 in a row. It seems the Patriots are going to need Folk's consistency on offense, since they're stalling out in the red zone in the early-going.
• DOWN: Kickoff Unit

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  A rare "down" for All-Pro punter Jake Bailey, who gets a thumbs down for a kickoff rather than a punt. He shanked one out of bounds to help set the Jets up at the 40-yard line. The unit also allowed a 38-yard return by Braxton Berrios, and an average of 23.8 yards per kick return. That's too much. But you can feel confident that this group will clean it up for Week 3.

MORE: Mac Jones picks up first career win vs Jets

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].

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Author Matt Dolloff

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damien harris,Matt Dolloff,New England Patriots,new york jets,NFL