The Patriots defense continued to show great improvement versus the Jets, building on what was largely an impressive performance against the Giants that just fell apart at the end.
At different times we’ve seen all the elements it takes to play winning defense from the Pats, and last night was the first time we saw just about all of them come together at once for the entire game.
Charting each of the Jets possessions shows just how well the D is playing…
- 8 plays, 63 yards = MISSED FG
- 6 plays, 11 yards = PUNT
- 7 plays, 8 yards = PUNT
- 8 plays, 38 yards = PUNT
- 4 plays, 6 yards = PUNT
- 7 plays, 65 yards = TOUCHDOWN
Halftime
- 3 plays, 0 yards = PUNT
- 4 plays, 23 yards = INT
- 11 plays, 71 yards = TOUCHDOWN
- 2 plays, 0 yards = INT TOUCHDOWN
- 6 plays, 25 yards = TURNOVER ON DOWNS
- 9 plays, 52 yards = TURNOVER ON DOWNS
The place where I’m most impressed is how the D performed after giving up the 11-play, 71 yard drive for a touchdown. Every Patriots fan was on verge of a panic attack at that point, but from there on the Pats D shut it down, led by Rob Ninkovich’s pick six. It was also nice to see them hold the Jets scoreless after the game was decided. In recent years they’ve been more than generous with the garbage time points and yards allowed but this time was different.
Only time will tell but it looks like this game was a huge step for this defense. It’s not only the big plays they made, but the style and effectiveness that they maintained the entire game. As we’ve been preaching consistency is the key.
And to do it without two of the biggest on field/spiritual leaders in Spikes and Chung? The good things should continue to come.