The Patriots improved to 4-4 on the season after a 22-17 win over the New York Jets. Here’s who we graded “UP” or “DOWN” based on their performance in the game…

UP: WR Jakobi Meyers

Meyers continues to be the Patriots’ most consistently reliable pass-catcher. Nine more catches for Meyers, for 60 yards and the team’s only touchdown. He was also money on third down, with two conversions, and his TD catch came on fourth down.

DOWN: OG Cole Strange

Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Definitely the worst game of Strange’s rookie season so far. He struggled to block Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and also committed two penalties. Strange was eventually benched in the second half, forcing Isaiah Wynn into the game to play left guard.

UP: RB Rhamondre Stevenson

Stevenson continues to key the Patriots’ ground game. He has looked like the better back than Damien Harris over the last two games. Stevenson was particularly impressive in the passing game, too, leading the team with 72 receiving yards on seven catches.

DOWN: OT Isaiah Wynn

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots is pressured by John Franklin-Myers #91 of the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Though Wynn deserves some credit for going in to play left guard in relief of Cole Strange, he gave up a sack on one of his only snaps at right tackle. The struggles continue for Wynn, who’s been whispered as a trade candidate with the deadline approaching.

UP: K Nick Folk

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Nick Folk #6 of the New England Patriots kicks a field goal during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Huge day for Folk. He went 5-for-5 on field goals as the Patriots offense mostly sputtered in the red zone. He made one from 52 yards, and he’s not necessarily a lock to make it from that distance, so that was a sign that he was locked in.

DOWN: C James Ferentz

Oct 30, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) calls a play in the huddle during the first quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

In his first start of the year in the absence of starter David Andrews, Ferentz had trouble all day with the Jets’ defensive front. It was a talent mismatch, to be fair. But it wasn’t exactly “Next Man Up” on the offensive line in this one.

UP: DE Deatrich Wise Jr.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 26: Matt Judon #9 and Deatrich Wise Jr. #91 of the New England Patriots react after a defensive play in the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Wise had one of those classic pass-rusher games where the box score doesn’t tell the story. Wise finished with just one tackle and a batted pass, but he consistently generated pressure on Zach Wilson to rush bad throws and decisions. The Pats defense cooks when Wise is making plays.

DOWN: S Jabrill Peppers

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Garrett Wilson #17 of the New York Jets is tackled by Jabrill Peppers #3 of the New England Patriots d1h at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Peppers did recover the Jets’ late onside kick cleanly, so it wasn’t all bad for him. But he committed a bad unnecessary roughness penalty that kept a Jets drive alive, and New York went on to score a touchdown. At the time it was potentially a costly play.

UP: S Adrian Phillips

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Adrian Phillips #21 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass intended for Michael Carter #32 of the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Patriots’ safeties had an up-and-down day as the group had to play without top playmaker Kyle Dugger. Devin McCourty had two interceptions, but Phillips was the more active player. He had a big pass breakup on an early end-zone try.

DOWN: DL DaMarcus Mitchell

Oct 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive end DaMarcus Mitchell (97) reacts before a game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The No. 1 thing for a special teams player: don’t screw up. Execute. Mitchell decidedly did not do that when he caught a punt to potentially down it within the 5-yard line, but for whatever reason somersaulted into the end zone for a touchback. Can’t have that.

Next Patriots Ups & Downs comes after the Pats play the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

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 @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.