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New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Final: Patriots defeat Jets 25-6 on the road

By Matt Dolloff
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones gets excited during pregame warmups before his first NFL start.

The Patriots beat the Jets 25-6 to grab their first win of the 2021 season. Click here to read more about the game, and scroll down below for highlights and analysis.

  • FINAL: Patriots 25, Jets 6

    A strong all-around day for the Patriots, who score two touchdowns on offense and add a 4-for-4 effort by kicker Nick Folk. But the big story of this one was the Patriots’ dominance on defense.

    The Jets could only muster 184 yards through the air, even as the Pats began giving them underneath plays late in the game. In all, they intercepted Zach Wilson four times and sacked him four times.

    Other than some early shakiness against the run, the concerns were few for this unit. Playmaking at all three levels and short fields for Mac Jones and the offense.

    The Patriots also cleaned up the ball security compared to Week 1. No turnovers on offense, despite Kendrick Bourne’s fumble being saved by the whistle. The penalties were still a bit of an issue (six for 54 yards), but certainly a cleaner, more disciplined game today by the Pats. They escape New York with a road win in spite of only 260 yards of offense.

  • Q4, 5:11: Patriots go three-and-out for second straight drive

    The Patriots had a chance to chew some clock, but could only muster a minute or so as they attempted two passes with two incompletions. The Jets have two timeouts remaining, and need two touchdowns with a pair of two-point conversions to tie the game.

  • Q4, 12:46: Patriots force a turnover on downs

    The Jets are at the point where they have to go for it on most fourth downs. This time they’re not successful, as Jonathan Jones breaks up the fourth-down attempt for Jets receiver Braxton Berrios.

    Expect the Patriots to hammer the ground game for much of the remaining time in the game.

  • Q3, 1:09: Patriots extend lead to 19

    The Patriots had a chance for another touchdown, but the drive just stalls out and they settle for another Nick Folk field goal. It’s 22-3 Pats with the fourth quarter approaching.

    Highlight plays from this drive included a 32-yard seam pass to Hunter Henry, and an end-around by Kendrick Bourne for 16 yards.

  • Q3, 5:29: Patriots defense steps up again

    Despite a pass interference flag on J.C. Jackson, the Patriots defense was able to hold up and limit the Jets to a field goal attempt. Carl Davis pushed through for the first sack of the day on Zach Wilson on third down. Matt Ammendola’s kick is no good, so the Patriots still have a 16-point lead and will take over at the 43.

  • Q3, 10:24: Damien Harris rumbles for 26-yard touchdown

    Redemption for Damien Harris. Taking over at the 35, the Patriots reach the end zone in two plays thanks to a powerful 26-yard run by Harris. It appeared that Harris broke seven tackles on his way to the end zone. Nick Folk’s extra point is no good, but the Patriots have opened a 13-point lead.

  • Q3, 11:15: Wilson chucks it up for fourth INT

    Yet another pick by the Patriots secondary, this time by deep safety Devin McCourty. It’s hard to tell who Zach Wilson was even targeting on that one. Patriots get it back with another chance to capitalize.

  • HALFTIME: Patriots 13, Jets 3

    The Patriots cashed in for three points on their final offensive drive of the first half. Unfortunately, Mac Jones committed an intentional grounding penalty on a throwaway that didn’t reach the line of scrimmage. But kicker Nick Folk bailed out the rookie by making the 49-yard field goal anyway.

    Analysis: The Patriots’ defensive playmaking and situational success is the story of the game so far. Three interceptions, two by J.C. Jackson, and a three-play stand inside their own 8-yard line to hold the Jets to a field goal. New York’s D has kept their team in the game, because the Patriots have had their chances to really blow the game open.

    Offensively, it’s been up-and-down for New England, with one strong touchdown drive sparked by a big 28-yard catch-and-run by James White and a 19-yard trick play to Jonnu Smith. Other than that? Right tackle has been an issue, and we could see Yodny Cajuste in there for the first time this season as a result. Mac Jones also committed a bad intentional grounding penalty, spiking a throwaway attempt short of the line of scrimmage. Fortunately, Nick Folk wasn’t pushed out of range after the play.

    In the second half, the Patriots should look to tighten up against the run and also clean up their pass protection more than they have.

  • Q2, 5:50: Yet another interception for the Patriots

    J.C. Jackson came down with his second interception of the game, looking like the intended receiver as Zach Wilson lofted it down the right sideline. Jackson seemingly had all afternoon to grab that one. Patriots get the ball back with a chance to extend their lead.

  • Q1, 8:03: Patriots go three-and-out

    An ugly series for the Patriots offense – specifically, right tackle Yasir Durant. The starter allowed two sacks in three plays, and has allowed three to get to Mac Jones already. We’ll see if the Pats stick with him or make a change on the next drive.

  • Q2, 9:52: Patriots defense bends, but doesn't break

    The Jets had first-and-goal from the Patriots’ 8-yard line, but gained just five yards on three plays as the Pats’ red zone defense makes a stand. Patriots still have a 10-3 lead.

  • Q1, 0:57: Touchdown! James White shuffles in for 7

    James White has the Patriots up 10-0 in the first quarter after finishing off a good drive by the Patriots offense.

    White jump-started the drive with a 28-yard catch-and-run off a screen. The Pats also executed a trick play, with White passing it back to Jones who then hit Jonnu Smith for a 19-yard gain.

  • Q1, 4:17: Another INT for Patriots D

    Zach Wilson has made two pass attempts in this game. The Patriots have intercepted both of them. Wilson’s second attempt goes through the hands of Corey Davis and lands safely in the hands of Patriots safety Adrian Phillips.

  • Q1, 4:46: Jets defense holds

    Mac Jones and the Patriots couldn’t do much of anything to move the ball, after intercepting Zach Wilson on the Jets’ opening drive. They come away with three points, though, as Nick Folk is good from 46 yards. Patriots take a 3-0 lead off the turnover.

    Jets safety Marcus Maye already has a sack and quarterback hit against Mac Jones. Right tackle Yasir Durant gave up the sack on the Pats’ first drive.

  • Q1, 8:28: Jackson comes down with interception

    Zach Wilson’s first pass attempt was tipped by J.C. Jackson, then tipped again by Devin McCourty and then back to Jackson, for his first interception of the 2021 season. After the Patriots’ opening drive stalled out, they get the ball right back.

MORE: Complete New England Patriots Coverage

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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