Snow Slows Patriots, Trail Jets at Half; Belichick Final Chapter?
As the snow continues to fall from the skies over Foxboro, Mass, the New England Patriots are one half of football removed from dropping the curtain on their 2023 season — and with it, perhaps the Bill Belichick era in New England.
The Pats and New York Jets are competing as best they can in Week 18 at Gillette Stadium, bringing about the conclusion of a disappointing season for both teams. As expected, the inclement weather and mutual offensive futility has led to mere 6-3 Jets lead at the break.
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For much of the first half, Patriots rookie boot man Bryce Baringer and Jets Pro Bowler Thomas Morestead showcased their skills, with each of the game’s first five series resulting in punts.
The Jets did not find their rhythm until late in the fourth quarter, in which New York running back Breece Hall staked runs of 11 and 10 yards deceptively to bring his team to the New England 10-yard line. However, the Jets manages only three points on a 21-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal.
The Patriots nearly secured six points on a potential acrobatic grab from tight end Mike Gesicki on a pass from Zappe into the end zone. However, Jets safety Tony Adams stayed with the play, and knocked the ball loose before Gesicki was ruled for the catch. Patriots rookie kicker Chad Ryland capped the drive with a 30–yard field goal, tying the game at 3.
The Jets answered the drive with an eight-play, 56-yard drive, ending in a 40-yarder from kicker Greg Zuerlein, giving New York a 6-3 lead. Zuerlein missed a 49-yard boot which would have given the Jets a 9-3 lead with time winding down in the second quarter.
As most of the NFL universe hungrily awaits word on the fate of Belichick as Patriots coach and de facto general manager, the Pats players are keeping their focus squarely on the Jets, and will continue to do so in the second half.
The Patriots are without the services of left tackle Trent Brown (illness), receiver Tyquan Thornton, and quarterback Mac Jones, who was designated as the team’s emergency third quarterback. Third-stringer Nathan Rourke is serving as back-up to Bailey Zappe.
Lastly, special teams captain Matthew Slater, one of the most revered Patriots players in the organization’s history, was honored by his teammates during pre-game warmups, who donned a blue hoodie adorned by the words “The Patriot” on the front, with “Captain” and his number “18” on the back. Slater is rumored to be calling it a career after 16 NFL seasons, all spent with the Patriots.
The Jets will get the ball to open the third quarter, having deferred their possession via a game-opening win of the coin toss.
