FOXBORO — The New England Patriots improved to 2-6 on the 2024 season after pulling off a 25-22 win over the New York Jets on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. Here are nine players (one graded twice) who were graded UP or DOWN based on their on-field performance…
UP: QB Jacoby Brissett
Brissett unexpectedly entered the game after starter Drake Maye had to exit with a concussion, and showed why every NFL player needs to prepare for games as if they’re going to play. The recently-benched veteran posted unspectacular numbers (15-of-24, 132 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions), but came through big-time in the biggest moment of the game.
Starting from the Pats’ 30-yard line, Brissett drove the offense 70 yards in 12 plays, and made things happen with both his arm and his legs. He converted a third-and-9 with a 14-yard scramble to keep the drive going, then moved the chains on third-and-10 with a 34-yard pass to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte that set up first-and-goal from the Jets 9-yard line.
Four plays later, Rhamondre Stevenson punched it into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. It was a thrilling end and an unlikely heroic effort for Brissett, who may very well have to start next week against the Titans, if Maye is unable to go.
DOWN: WR Kendrick Bourne
Up until the clutch fourth-quarter drive that put the Patriots ahead, one of the major stories of the game was going to be a lackluster performance by their wide receiver group. That is still a consideration, thanks to a subpar game for Bourne, who caught none of his three targets. At least two of those can be considered drops.
Bourne was an outlier in the Patriots receiver room as far as his off-field behavior leading up to the game, projecting humility and leadership both in the wake of a loss to the Jaguars in London and before the game against the Jets. It was surprising to see Bourne fail to set a better example for the group by executing on the field.
There was at least one receiver who redeemed himself in the end, which we’ll get to below. But Bourne just had a game he wishes he could have back.
DOWN: CB Marcus Jones
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 27: Xavier Gipson #82 of the New York Jets reacts after a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Jones drew a tough assignment as an undersized corner against Garrett Wilson (5 catches for 113 yards), but didn’t have his best game in coverage. He also committed two penalties on defense. It’s arguably a symptom of an undermanned Patriots cornerback group to force Jones to cover a dynamic receiver on the perimeter, but if the Patriots didn’t end up winning, Jones’ struggles on defense would’ve been a reason why.
DOWN: LG Michael Jordan
Oct 27, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) reacts after his touchdown run against the New York Jets in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Patriots offensive line has solidified in recent weeks, compared to the dumpster fire it was earlier in the season, but it still hasn’t been perfect. Jordan was the only offensive player on the Patriots to commit a penalty on Sunday, when his holding flag negated a 39-yard catch by Henry. The Pats ultimately had to punt on that drive.
UP: CB Christian Gonzalez
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 27: Breece Hall #20 of the New York Jets runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against Christian Gonzalez #0 of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Gonzalez mostly shadowed Jets receiver Davante Adams in coverage, and Adams ended up with a pedestrian four catches and 54 yards, a minimal impact on the game. The pass interference flag on Gonzalez was ticky-tack. Overall, Gonzalez stepped up after a shaky couple of weeks. This version of the Patriots needs him to be excellent to have a chance to win, and he was on Sunday in a challenging matchup.
DOWN: RB Antonio Gibson
Oct 27, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (4) runs the ball against the New York Jets in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Gibson rushed five times for only six yards, and also had a fumble at his own 40-yard line that was fortunately recovered by his teammate. Had the Jets recovered there, they would’ve had a chance to go up two scores. Not the best day for Gibson, who’s otherwise had a solid season when his number is called.
UP: TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry (Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Henry caught five passes for 45 yards, and every grab felt impactful. He also had a 39-yard grab that got called back due to a holding penalty.
The Patriots need Henry to step up and produce every single week, even if he’s not going to put up massive fantasy numbers or catch a bunch of touchdowns. He’s always been a key cog in the machine of the offense since he’s come to New England, and especially on a day when the wide receivers are struggling to hold onto the ball, it’s good to have Henry deliver a reliable performance.
UP: LB Christian Elliss
Oct 27, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) breaks up a pass intended for New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Elliss finished with a team-high nine tackles, and also made a sack with another QB hit. His sack came on a critical drive early in the fourth quarter, in which the Jets came up empty-handed after missing the fourth-down field goal try. The linebacker responded well after Jerod Mayo called out the Pats for playing “soft” football.
