EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ– The dust had barely settled before a single word was put out about this game, the dust has rested and all theories finalized. For a divisional match-up between two teams with a storied past of hatred, this game sure didn’t let any of the fans down. From great play, too poor play to even controversy, this game had it all.
New England strolled into Met Life Stadium with all the momentum in the world, after an incredible last second throw from Tom Brady to Kembrell Thompkins last Sunday versus the New Orleans Saints, the Patriots had the advantage ten-fold, also let’s not forget, Tom Brady’s secret weapon was back in full pads and ready to go.
Only momentum had no business being here on a Sunday afternoon versus the New York Jets, a very tight and no holds bar Jets defense had much, much different plans for this game, and did they ever play that part.
The obvious story line to this game was the “controversy” call made in overtime that helped the Jets seal the deal and close out a victory. What is being coined a controversy is anything but one in fact, in fact the real travesty with the call is the Jets were guilty of doing the same thing, with :19 seconds left in the fourth as New England kicked the tying field goal go to send the game into overtime, a New York Jets defensive player is seen committing the same penalty that Patriots Chris Jones was called for.
Is it the ref just did not see this infraction and happened to see the Patriots impede on rule 913? It is a question none of us will ever be able to answer, but only speculate.
Truth of the matter is the Patriots deserved to lose this game, not for that call but for an absolute horrible showing from the offensive line, and the poor outing of Brady. New York’s defense proved exactly why they were the fourth- ranked in the league, allowing the Patriots to rush for 90 yards, and practically shutting down the Patriots passing game. Brady was 1-12 on 3rd down conversions, with zero touchdowns and a pick six. Brady overthrew and underthrew more often than not and at times looked as though all he truly wanted to do was thread the needle to All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski, who ended the day with eight receptions on 114 yards receiving, including a pretty impressive 30-yard catch that almost resulted in a TD.
While the prolific Brady-Gronkowski combo performed well on it’s first day back on the field together, it seemed forced. Brady is a born and bred pocket passer, quit possibly the best we will ever see in our lifetime, but when the Pats offensive line cannot keep him protected and allow him to be sacked four times for a total of 23 yards lost, that is a recipe for disaster.
The combination of excellent shut down defense by the Jets and an efficient and solid game by the Jets’ young rookie quarterback Geno Smith was the final reason the New England Patriots faltered on Sunday, rule 913 is an absolute insult to the game and a rule that should seriously be considered for termination. American football soon enough with rules like these continually being implemented will become flag football. While it gives people something to complain about, something to gossip about, enough is enough.
See you in Miami.
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