The New England Patriots’ 2023 season has finally – and for mercifully – come to an end. This year’s final blow was a snowy slog against the New York Jets.
While the game ended in a 17-3 final, that number is buoyed by a couple of late scores. The two sides combined for 373 total yards, with 50 of those coming on a Breece Hall run inside the two-minute warning to put the game away.
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While the snowy conditions certainly had their impact, much of this game felt familiar to the majority of games the Patriots played this year. The defense played well enough to keep the Patriots in the game despite a lackluster performance from the offense, which eventually did the Patriots in with poorly-timed turnovers.
Ultimately, for most this game was nothing more than a formality that had to be taken care of before getting to what will be a very eventful and extremely important offseason for the Patriots’ organization. Before turning the page though, let’s run through game takeaways for the final time in the 2023 season.
Offense bottoms out
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) reacts after his pass against the New York Jets in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dealing with the snow and a tough Jets defense, the Patriots offense turned in arguably its worst performance of the year in the finale. The team avoided its third shoutout of the year by way of a second quarter Chad Ryland field goal. The 119 yards of total offense was the lowest total of the Bill Belichick era by 30 yards as the Patriots averaged 2.1 yards per play.
In particular, the start was a rough one for the Patriots. They finished the first quarter with negative-seven yards, and picked up only two first downs in the first half. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, it was the first time that happened since Week 4 of the 2016 season, when Jacoby Brissett started and played the entire game with a torn ligament in the thumb on his throwing hand.
Late in the game with the offense driving needed a touchdown to tie, the turnover issues came back. After having a few potential interceptions dropped throughout the game Bailey Zappe was picked off – only to have interceptor Ashtyn Davis fumble on the return with Vederian Lowe recovering. Zappe wouldn’t capitalize on that second chance though – he threw another interception two plays later.
If there ever was a game to emphasize the Patriots’ need to upgrade on offense this offseason, this was it. Will they follow sort?
Jalen Reagor pops again
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jalen Reagor (83) reacts after his catch against the New York Jets in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Of the Patriots’ 119 yards of offense, 50 came on two plays provided by Jalen Reagor. For the second week in a row he did a good job adjusting to a deep ball to haul in a diving catch up the sideline, and he also had a 17-yard run on an end-around.
Reagor had a strong finish to the season, which is encouraging for the 2020 first-round pick who is on the third team of his career. Reagor won’t solve all of the Patriots’ wide receiver problems, but he’s making a strong case to be back next year as a depth wide reciever and kick returner.
Season-long playmakers show up
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: Anfernee Jennings #33 of the New England Patriots celebrates in the second half during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
If there was a high point for the Patriots in this game, it came with just under three minutes to go in the fourth quarter. With the score still 10-3 the Jets went for it on a 4th & 1 to put the game away. The Patriots stuffed the run led by Anfernee Jennings and Jabrill Peppers, who have been two of their most reliable defensive playmakers all year. For Jennings, it was one of three tackles for a loss in the game.
Another regular standout who stood out was Christian Barmore. He concluded his breakout season with 10 tackles, with two going for a loss.
Slater’s sendoff
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots and CEO of the New England Patriots Robert Kraft speak before the game at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Although he wouldn’t outright confirm after the game that he’s retiring (“let’s talk about that another day, I just want to express my thanks to the guys in that locker room”), this certainly seemed like it for Patriots captain and 16-year veteran Matthew Slater. The sendoff was expansive, from players wearing sweatshirts honoring Slater during warm-ups, to his entire family in attendance, to constant shots of him on the video board during the game, to more social media posts from the team after the game.
“To have the guys do that… I’ll never be able to put that into words as long as I live. It meant a lot to me,” Slater said when asked about the tributes after the game. We’ll likely hear more from him at some point this offseason, if and when his decision becomes official.
Belichick’s sendoff (?)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on in the first half at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, there wasn’t much recognition inside the building of this potentially being Bill Belichick’s last game with the Patriots. Save for a few ‘In Bill We Trust’ signs in the crowd, there weren’t really any signs of the narrative brewing outside the building.
When the clock hit 0:00 is was actually eerily quiet inside Gillette Stadium as most fans headed to the exits. Belichick quickly left the field after shaking hands with Jets head coach Robert Saleh and injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
After the game Belichick said he wouldn’t take any questions on his future, only noting that he’ll meet with owner Robert Kraft “as I always do at the end of the season” to discuss next steps.
With that, the waiting game begins. This Patriots’ offseason can go in a lot of different directions, but it will all hinge on the first of many decisions – what happens with Belichick.
