Patriots 45, Jets 3: Some Post-Game Reaction

Here are some of the reactions from around the Inter-Google to the humiliating 45-3 loss suffered by the New York Jets Monday night at the hands of the New England Patriots.

Ian O’Connor of ESPN New York says that when the Jets start assessing blame for the debacle they can start with their coach.

Ryan has been everything to everybody as coach of the New York Jets. He’s been a standup comic for the press, a tough-talking advocate of a long, lost franchise and, more than anything, the first Jet with the nerve to promise a Super Bowl title since Joe Willie Namath answered a banquet heckler with the most glorious guarantee in sports.

But in the bitter cold and blustery winds Monday night, Ryan resembled none of the characters he’s played to rave reviews. In fact, Ryan came across as clueless, overmatched, and entirely unprepared to deal with this beating Bill Belichick’s Patriots had planned for him.

Rich Cimini of ESPN New York said the Jets were exposed.

On the biggest stage, with a chance to set themselves up for the AFC East title and perhaps the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, the Jets gave a fraudulent performance so utterly inept that it was — brace yourself — Kotite-like.

The big-talking Jets wanted to make history, but not this kind of history. They looked bad on so many levels, from coaching to playing to explaining it afterward.

Rex Ryan and his coaching staff had 10 full days to prepare, as did the Patriots, but they acted as if they didn’t have a clue. The Jets’ weaknesses were exploited by a team that does its talking on the field, not in news conferences.

“Obviously, we got outcoached, got outplayed,” said Ryan, delivering the concession speech he never could’ve imagined in his wildest nightmare. “We got our butts kicked. I don’t know what else to say.”

Don Banks of SI.com writes what a lot of people are thinking this morning — that the Jets have been overrated all along.

Monday night’s meltdown by New York made you think we over-rated these Jets all along this season, and it certainly gives us reason to reevaluate all those late, dramatic comeback victories Ryan’s team recorded in October and November. When a team finds a way to win despite struggling against the likes of Denver, Houston, Detroit and Cleveland, we sometimes call them resilient and commend them on finding a way to get the job done.

But then the Patriots completely peeled back the green (and white) curtain on Monday night and showed us a glimpse of a team that really might not be what we thought they were. Maybe struggling to beat bad teams, even if you get away with it for a good long while, is merely an indication that you’re not that good yourself. After all, entering the Patriots game, the combined record of the teams the Jets had beaten were just 39-68, with only one of those teams being above .500 (the 1-0 Patriots in Week 2).

Gary Myers of the Daily News said the Jets talked big and played small.

It was so one-sided and so embarrassing that the possibility of facing the Patriots a third time this season, which would come in the playoffs, is not so appealing. “The way we played, I don’t think we want to see them again,” linebacker Calvin Pace admitted. “45-3? That’s a (butt) kicking. I’m not trying to be funny.”

The Jets came in talking big – what else – and playing small. Their postgame locker room was so quiet. Now their resiliency will be tested. Will they be able to bounce back in a short week and beat the Dolphins at home on Sunday?

Patriots 45, Jets 3: New England Romps

Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) – The New England Patriots made a statement Monday night, pummeling the New York Jets, 45-3, to seize control of the AFC East in impressive fashion.

Both teams entered the highly anticipated tilt with identical records but left Gillette Stadium in decidedly different fashion, as the Patriots (10-2) outgained their division rival, 405-301, and appeared to score at will.

Tom Brady sliced up the Jets’ secondary to the tune of 326 yards and four touchdowns and became the first starting quarterback to win 26 consecutive regular season games at home.

“It was a big win…but it was one win. Obviously there’s many more big games for us down the stretch,” said Brady, who surpassed Brett Favre for the most consecutive home wins mark. “Our defense really stepped up with some huge turnovers, got us a short field and we capitalized.”

BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for two scores, while Danny Woodhead, who failed to make New York’s roster out of training camp, amassed 104 yards on four catches against his former team.

The versatile Woodhead has become more of a focal point for New England since the trade of star wide receiver Randy Moss. The Pats signed him as a free agent a day before losing in New York back on September 19.

That’s just one of the many glaring differences between the meetings with another being the performance of Mark Sanchez, who struggled considerably with three interceptions. He had a season-high 124.3 quarterback in the first matchup but completed a mere 17-of-33 attempts for 164 yards in the setback, New York’s (9-3) first in five games.

“We got out-coached, got out-played and got our butts kicked,” said outspoken Jets head coach Rex Ryan. “It was humiliating. It was the biggest butt- whipping I have ever taken as a coach in my career…We’ll remember this. There’s no question about that.”

Both teams drove into field goal range on their opening drives. New England’s Shayne Graham had enough leg for a 41-yarder through a bitter wind 4:03 in, while Nick Folk missed wildly on a 53-yard try a little later.

Jets safety Eric Smith, filling in for the injured Jim Leonhard, was called for pass interference in the end zone on the next New England possession. The 36-yard penalty put the ball on the goal line, and Green-Ellis took it in off left tackle for a 10-0 lead near the four-minute mark.

Steve Weatherford’s 12-yard punt following a three-and-out gave the Patriots a short field. On 4th-and-3 from the 25, Deion Branch caught a short slant, broke a tackle and went in for a TD with a minute to play in first.

Folk scored the visitors’ only points early in the second on a 39-yard field goal, capping an eight-play, 46-yard drive.

Woodhead took a screen pass on the first play of ensuing series 35 yards to the New York 32. The big gain set up a touchdown from the four, as Brandon Tate got his left knee and wrist inbounds while bringing down a pass along the left sideline with 8:15 remaining in the half.

It stayed 24-3 at the break, and the Jets had a promising march thwarted when Brandon Spikes picked off Sanchez in the red zone early in the third.

New England proceeded to go 93 yards in eight plays, culminated in Wes Welker’s 18-yard score. The diminutive receiver caught an out route at the 14 then carried Jets cornerback Drew Coleman into the end zone with 4:40 remaining in the third.

Devin McCourty hauled in Sanchez’s underthrown ball intended for Braylon Edwards less than a minute later, the sixth interception of the year for the rookie. On the first play of the final stanza, Brady found Aaron Hernandez for a one-yard score off a play-action fake.

Green-Ellis capped the route — and the Patriots’ fourth straight win — with a five-yard romp to paydirt following another Sanchez interception.

“Everyone was really focused and we just got solid play from everybody. It was a good night for us. We’ll take it,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick remarked. “Tonight was our night.”

The temperature at kickoff was 27-degrees Fahrenheit with wind gusts up to 24 m.p.h….Brady completed 21-of-29 passes and found eight different receivers. Welker caught seven balls for 80 yards, Branch had three for 64 and Hernandez finished with three for 51…Green-Ellis carried the ball 18 times for 72 yards…The Patriots honored former linebacker Tedy Bruschi during a halftime ceremony…The Jets had won a franchise-record eight straight road games coming in…The Patriots have won 17 straight games at home in December… Sanchez had a 27.8 quarterback rating, compared to Brady’s 148.9…Santonio Holmes led the Jets’ receiving corps with seven receptions for 72 yards, while Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson logged 64 and 47 rushing yards, respectively…Leonhard suffered a broken leg in practice during the week and will miss the remainder of the season.

New York Jets At New England Patriots: Final Thoughts

Are we there yet?

1. Get After the Quarterback - Both teams have struggled rushing the passer throughout the 2010 season. The deciding factor in this game could very well be which team can get into the opposing quaterback's face more consistently. In an evenly matched game like this one, sacks and the turnovers that result from a strong pass rush should make the difference.

2. Cold Weather Myth - Mark Sanchez has a great chance tonight to show he can win a big game in winter conditions. It is going to be cold, windy, and probably snowing...because we all know Bill Belichick has control of the weather up there.

3. Response Time - It will be very interesting to see how this team responds to the playoff like atmosphere in this game, coming off an extended week to prepare. A strong start is a must to settle the crowd and not force the Jets out of their game plan,

4. Big Time Players, Make Big Time Plays - This is the kind of game we traded for Santonio Holmes for, so he can exploit a weak, inexperienced secondary. This is the kind of game we gave Darrelle Revis all that money for, so he can shut Wes Welker down in key spots or take Deion Branch out of this game. This the kind of game we signed Jason Taylor for, so he could provide a pass rush on Tom Brady.

5. Lead The League In Wins - No better way to back up your big mouth coach's words than by getting a win tonight.

Matchup: Jets Pass Defense vs. Pats Pass Offense

Part four of breaking down the Jets/Patriots week 13 showdown

New York Jets - Passing Yards Allowed Per Game - 210.6 Yards, 12th in the NFL

• Darrelle Revis - 18 tackles, 8 passes defensed
• Antonio Cromartie - 33 tackles, 15 passes defensed, 3 INTs
• Brodney Pool - 29 tackles, 6 passes defensed, 1 INT
• Eric Smith - 42 tackles, 1 pass defensed
• Drew Coleman - 29 tackles, 4 passes defensed, 1 INT

Jim Leonhard, Jets Safety, Out For Season With Broken Tibia

New York Jets safety Jim Leonhard suffered a broken tibia during practice and is done for the season, as first reported by Jay Glazer on Twitter.

Leonhard collided with receiver Patrick Turner during a team drill according to an ESPN report.

Leonhard, who also called all of the Jets plays on defense, had amassed 52 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery through 11 games this season. He was also the Jets primary punt returner, returning 21 so far this season for a total of 238 yards, an average of 11.3 per return.

With Leonhard out, Brodney Pool and Eric Smith will start at safety for the Jets. Jerricho Cotchery is expected to handle the punt return duties on Monday night against the Patriots.

Jim Leonhard Out For Monday Night

Rex Ryan has just announced that starting safety Jim Leonhard will not play on Monday night against the New England Patriots. Leonhard hurt his shin in practice today by colliding with receiver Patrick Turner and it is believed the injury is relatively severe and could be season ending.

Eric Smith will take over Leonhard’s spot, with Brodney Pool sliding in alongside him as the other starting safety. This is obviously a big blow to the Jets already inconsistent defense, considering Leonhard’s knowledge of the system.

Leonhard is also the team’s punt returner. Ryan mentioned Jerricho Cotchery, Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes, and Joe McKnight as potential replacements. Kyle Wilson has taken reps at punt returner this year but struggled. Cotchery would normally be the most reliable but he is returning from a groin injury.

Smith, Pool, and James Ihedigbo all need to step up in Leonhard’s absence. In terms of punt return, I hate to risk Holmes or Cromartie back there and I could see the Jets taking a committee approach, at least this week.

Matchup: Jets Rush Defense vs. Pats Rush Offense

Part three of breaking down the Jets/Patriots week 13 showdown

New York Jets - Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game - 86.3, 4th in the NFL

• David Harris - 74 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks
• Sione Pouha - 37 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
• Mike DeVito - 42 tackles, 4 TFLs
• Bart Scott - 57 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 sack

New England Patriots - Rushing Yards Per Game - 112.5, 16th in the NFL

• BenJarvus Green-Ellis - 145 carries, 627 yards, 4.3 YPC, 9 TDs
• Danny Woodhead - 64 carries, 344 yards, 5.4 YPC, 3 TDs
• Fred Taylor - 25 carries, 98 yards, 3.9 YPC
• Sammy Morris - 14 carries, 36 yards

New England has patched together a servicable running game with the combination of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. The Jets have been rock solid at stopping the run all season and there is no reason that shouldn't continue against the Patriots. New England has much better match-ups throwing the football and I can't imagine putting together a game plan that is anywhere near run heavy. Woodhead is more of a concern for the Jets because of his pass catching ability out of the backfield and speed. The Jets are slow at the linebacker position and could have a tough time matching up with him in space.

I do think the Jets have the ability to make New England one dimensional on offense but I don't think the Patriots will hesitate to embrace that. They use their short passing game to substitute for their running games at times and they will look to take advantage of the mismatches their running backs, tight ends, and Wes Welker will have. Another thing to keep in mind, the Patriots didn't have guard Logan Mankins when the teams first met in week 2.

Matchup: Jets Run Offense vs. Pats Run Defense

Part two of breaking down the Jets/Patriots matchup

New York Jets - Rushing Yards Per Game - 148.1, 2nd in the NFL

• LaDainian Tomlinson - 166 carries, 741 yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 5 TDs
• Shonn Greene - 140 carries, 575 yards, 4.1 yards per carry, 1 TD
• Brad Smith - 27 carries, 216 yards, 8.0 yards per carry, 1 TD
• Tony Richardson - 1 carry, 2 yards
• John Conner - 2 receptions, 9 yards

New England Patriots - Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game - 110.6, 16th in the NFL

• Vince Wilfork - 41 tackles, 4 TFLs
• Jerod Mayo - 132 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs
• Gerard Warren - 20 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 TFL
• Brandon Spikes - 54 tackles
• Rob Ninkovich - 42 tackles, 1 sack, 3 TFLs

The Jets should be able to establish a running game to balance their passing attack against New England's front seven. LaDainian Tomlinson has slowed down over the past month but has still been a dangerous weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. Shonn Greene will need to be the guy who carries the bulk of the load and keeps the chains moving. I am sure the Jets won't hesitate to get creative with their "Tiger" formation this week and with other attempts to get Brad Smith the ball in the open field.

Despite the temptation to constantly air it out against a weak New England secondary, the Jets must maintain a degree of balance. The best defense against Tom Brady and his arsenal of weapons is to keep him on the sideline and a few clock burning drives led by Greene and Tomlinson wouldn't hurt. This is a big week in particular for Greene who hasn't done anything against the Patriots over the past two years. The Jets need him in December. His legs should be fresh, considering his work load so far. Monday is a great night for him to really get rolling in the 2010 season.

New York Jets At New England Patriots: NFL Week 13 Game Capsules

What more can you ask for with a Week 13 divisional showdown between the New  York Jets and New England Patriots? Two elite teams vying for first place in their division and the entire conference, neither of which is overly fond of the other. Should be a dramatic, tightly-contested game, with the winner in the driver's seat for not only the divisional crown, bu the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC as well. 

Here's a few facts, trends and notes about the two rivals' series history, as well as up-to-date season stats for both squads.

NEW YORK JETS (9-2) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (9-2)

SERIES

STATS

Stay tuned here, as well as at Gang Green Nation and Pats Pulpit for more preview coverage, analysis and news leading up to the pivotal Week 13 showdown at Gillette Stadium in New England.

Matchup: Jets Pass Offense vs. Pats Pass Defense

Part one of breaking down the Jets/Patriots matchup

New York Jets - Passing Yards Per Game - 213.5, 18th in NFL

• Mark Sanchez - 2472 yards passing, 16 TDs, 8 INTs, 55.2 completion percentage
• Braylon Edwards - 35 receptions, 618 yards, 6 TDs
• Dustin Keller - 39 receptions, 528 yards, 5 TDs
• Santonio Holmes - 32 receptions, 491 yards, 4 TDs
• LaDainian Tomlinson - 45 receptions, 329 yards
• Jerricho Cotchery - 29 receptions, 315 yards, 2 TDs
• Brad Smith - 4 receptions, 44 yards

New England Patriots - Opposing Pass Yards - 288.5 per game, 32nd in NFL

• Pat Chung - 71 tackles, 6 PDs, 2 INTs
• Devin McCourty - 61 tackles, 12 PDs, 5 INTs
• Brandon Merriweather - 50 tackles, 4 PDs, 2 INTs
• James Sanders - 45 tackles, 4 PDs, 2 INTs
• Kyle Arrington - 46 tackles, 2 PDs
• Darius Butler - 18 tackles, 2 PDs

The Jets passing offense has started to round into form since the return of Santonio Holmes, who has been electric the previous few weeks. It is essential that they take advantage of a porous New England pass defense, which has struggled to get after the quarterback and is allowing a ton of yards and points. Rookie Devin McCourty is having a hell of a season and making watch Kyle Wilson struggle that much more difficult.

However, there will still be plenty of opportunities for big plays down the field. Mark Sanchez threw for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Week 2 matchup and Dustin Keller carved up the New England linebackers and safeties for 115 yards and a touchdown.

You have to imagine Bill Belichick will focus on taking Keller away. Yet, the Jets didn't even have Santonio Holmes in the Week 2 game. I don't think McCourty is ready to handle Holmes one on one for the bulk of a game yet and even if he does, who will stop Braylon Edwards or Jerricho Cotchery, who is expected to return? Edwards killed the Patriots in the red-zone earlier in the year with a touchdown and 2-point conversion and Cotchery also caught a touchdown.

You have to expect Tom Brady and company to put up their share of points, which means Mark Sanchez needs to bring his A game, like he did in Week 2. The Patriots don't have the talent or depth to cover Edwards, Holmes, Keller and Cotchery, nevermind LaDainian Tomlinson out of the backfield. This is a week for the Jets to flex their immense talent in the passing game because they are more than equipped to go toe-to-toe with Brady's offense.

Rex Ryan: Jets Vs. Patriots A "Special Game"

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is never at a loss for words, and his appearance on the Michael Kay Show on ESPN Radio in New York did not disappoint. Ryan wasn’t full of braggadoccio, as he sometimes can be, but he was full of honest answers.

The full transcript is available at Sports Radio Interviews. Here, though, is some of what Ryan had to say.

On the enormity of the game Monday:

“Probably so because of the fact that you’ve got two teams that are 9-2, at the top of the division, and the winner of this game will be in sole possession of first place in the division. It’s just a great opportunity for us. We know the challenge that we have in front of us, but as a competitor, these are games that you love to play in.”

On the message they could send if they go into Foxboro and beat the Pats on the road:

“I think people understand that anyway because we have won our last eight regular season games on the road. It would be that clear message to the league that we knocked off the number one team in the league. That’s how people are looking at New England like they’re the best team in football right now and people want to dismiss what we’ve accomplished because of records and all that stuff of opponent but that’s okay. At the end of the day we get to prove if we are the best team. Right now we feel like this is going to be a huge game and obviously these guys are playing great, but were confident.”

On whether or not this is a be all end all game:

“It’s not an end all be all game, but this is way more than just another game. This is just another game between two 9-2 teams with the division lead riding on this and I’m not telling that lie. Of course this is a special game. How much more is this game worth than other ones? I don’t know but this is a huge game. It’s probably as big of a regular season game as I have been involved in.”

New York Jets At New England Patriots - As Good As It Gets

December football.

Monday Night.

9-2 Jets...receiving too little respect despite their strong record.

9-2 Patriots...receiving too much despite their strong record.

What else can you ask for at this time of the year?

Some early thoughts on the match-up that will more than likely determine the winner of the AFC East...

1. Take The Over - In case you didn't notice, the Patriots are ranked 32nd in the NFL at defending the pass and 31st in total defense. Yes, they are that bad. Mark Sanchez put together a 21/30, 220 yard, 3 TD performance against them in week 2 and should be primed for another big game. By the way, he also didn't have that Santonio Holmes guy forthe week 2 match-up. On the other side, New England has been racking up yards and points in bunches the previous few weeks and Tom Brady is surrounded by dangerous weapons. The Jets have been awful at defending the tight end and New England has two very good ones in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. I don't think there will be a shortage of points in this game.

2. End The Danny Woodhead Hysteria - Get over it Jets fans, he isn't on the team anymore. He has been good for the Patriots but stop acting like he is Jim Brown. He isn't a good fit for our offense and wouldn't get reps. Brad Smith is doing just fine as our de facto #3 running back and is a better all around player than Woodhead anyway.

3. Where Is The Island? - It will be interesting to see how the Jets use Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie in coverage this week. Do you put them on New England's tight ends? Should Revis just focus on Wes Welker? It should be a mix and match in the secondary for most of the night. Fortunately it sounds like the Jets will get Dwight Lowery and Marquice Cole back, which will improve their depth.

4. Special Mess - In an evenly matched game like this, special teams can be the difference. Nick Folk has been inconsistent lately and the Patriots kicker is Shayne "Shank" Graham. Brandon Tate and Brad Smith are both good kick returners. Whichever can avoid the killer mistakes in this third of the game and make a big play or two will have a big advantage.

5. Statement Game - This is one hell of an opportunity for the Jets to demonstrate that they are now the class of the AFC East. They have been chasing the Patriots for the past decade and now can sweep them and hop in the driver's seat for the division.

Let's Get It...