- "Nobody gave us any respect!" We're going to play that card the rest of the way. Hopefully it will look as good as last night did.
- On the Jets first drive the defense looked as bad as they have all year. Just 5 or 6 plays and they were in the red zone. Bend but don't break is the mantra and that's just what they did. Secondary held their own in coverage, and they got just enough pressure on Sanchez to force some incompletions. And then they missed the field goal. I don't want to take too much credit but that's EXACTLY what happened both times I played the Jets in Madden this week. Gave up a ton of yards, stopped them on third, and they missed the field goal. Coincidence? Yes.
- Right off the bat it was clear the Patriots were trying to get Ocho involved. They ran a play I like to call "Trips Right Ocho Time" which resulted in the 56 yard completion. It is clear that Ocho just isn't used to having the ball really, evident on his awkward step out of bounds on his first reception. But it all looked good. This should be a confidence builder for Ocho. Definitely a step in the right direction.
- The running game never really got in a rhythm but it is imperative that they stick with it. Opens up the play action and just helps overall with our Time of Possession. I'd like to see some more Ridley because something just looks off with BJGE. Looked spookily Maroney-esque at times last night.
- Before the game I said I'd like to see McCourty returning some kicks at times. Looks like that won't be happening any time soon but it was pretty clear last night how much this team needs a solid return man. That could be said for any team in the league of course, but Tom can't always throw 99 yard touchdowns. Easier to get in a rhythm if you're starting from the 20 or ahead.
- Where on earth did that pass rush come from? It wasn't coming from the linebackers (although they did experiment with sending Mayo from some different angles later in the game). It was the defensive ends, obviously Andre Carter in particular. Mama there goes that man. Looked like he could have finished with 12 sacks. Mark Anderson was extremely active getting after Sanchez with his high motor. This team will desperately need that to continue for them to be successful.
- That being said this pieced together secondary was spectacular. Held the Jets to 5-13 on third down, an area they have struggled all year. I promise this week I'm going to learn all their names. Obviously it isn't this simple but it's almost as if McCourty has been giving receivers too much of a cushion. Molden or whoever it was who replaced him didn't give up any big plays up the sideline, which is about all you can ask.
- Loved that they came out with the no-huddle attack in the second half. Woodhead is another receiving threat and you always have to be wary of the draw when he's out there. It looked better than it has in weeks. Before too long the Jets were absolutely gassed. Too bad faking injuries is illegal now. Tom was getting them up to the line and running a play before NBC was even ready.
- On an aside, that was probably the worst called game by Cris Collinsworth and Al Michaels. I don't think Collinsworth gave a Patriots player credit for anything until the third quarter. Al Michaels was mispronouncing names and all sorts of bush league stuff. When an injured Jet was down on the field he announced it was Nate Solder, who hadn't even been on the field that play. Come on now.
- Hot steamy Gronk. What more can you say? Is there any doubt he's the best tight end in the league? Who can cover him? Linebackers are too small and slow. Defensive backs are too small. Very soon teams are going to start doubling and even tripling him in the red zone. Which will just open up everybody else.
- This was one of those games that reminds you why you care so much. Just an absolute sportsgasm. Ninky with the pick 6 icing on the cake. Nothing better than going into the Meadowlands and sticking it to Rexy and the Jets. Tom and Bill winningest qb coach combination in NFL history. Let's keep this rolling.
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