Patriots-Jets Notebook: Judon Attacks Zach; Pharaoh ‘Arrival’
The New England Patriots extended their streak to 15 straight victories over the New York Jets with a 15-10 win in Week 3 at MetLife Stadium.
Pats quarterback Mac Jones completed a season-long 58-yard touchdown reception, while the team added six points off the leg of rookie kicker Chad Ryland. Lastly, linebacker Matthew Judon earned a late safety to secure the victory on a soggy Sunday afternoon in East Rutherford.
Still, the Patriots nearly squandered a late 13-3 lead by surrendering an 87-yard touchdown drive from struggling quarterback Zach Wilson. On New York's final series, Wilson's last-second attempt at securing a Hail Mary win was nearly deflected into Jets' receiver Randall Cobb's hands. Though New England held on to earn the victory, and their first win of the season, there are plenty of lessons to be learned as the team prepares for Week 3.
Accordingly, here are a handful of observations taken from Sunday's matchup in the Meadowlands.
Better Mac, than Zach
Despite turning in his lowest statistical single-game output of the season, Jones still helped the Pats to a gritty, yet unprepossessing victory against a formidable Jets defense. New England's third-year quarterback finished the day having completed 15-of-29 for 201 yards with one touchdown. Jones neither threw an interception, nor was he sacked, while connecting with nine different pass catchers: including three third-down conversions to receivers Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker and Demario Douglas respectively.
Still, the 25-year-old was 0-5 in pass attempts in which the ball traveled at least 20 yards through the air. The rain and wind also got the better of him on a handful of throws, at least two of which were nearly picked by Jets defenders. Though Bill O'Brien is likely to continue catering to Jones' strengths in the quick, intermediate game, the Pats are likely to further test his abilities to stretch the field, especially in the clutch.
Though Jones' performance was far from perfect, he clearly outdueled his Jets' counterpart. Wilson once again looked to be intimidated by the Belichickian mystique of the Patriots defense before the first snap was taken. Though the BYU product did not throw an interception, he was sacked once by Christian Barmore and twice by Matthew Judon, including for a safety (more on that in a moment) which extended the Pats lead to 15-10. Despite finding a slight rhythm on the Jets' 87-yard fourth quarter drive to cut the Pats lead to three, Wilson continued to show poor poise and decision-making down the stretch, which ultimately doomed what little momentum they were attempting to gather in the game's closing minutes. He finished the game with a dismal 61.9 quarterback rating, while completing 18 of 36 passes for only 157 yards. For Wilson to be effective, he must work to eliminate his pre-snap intimidation while making decisions more quickly and accurately -- two areas in which, by comparison, Jones has shown significant improvement this season.
Three Tight-End Set Sparks the Run
While O'Brien has not been shy about infusing a greater amount of "12-personnel" into his offensive sets this season, he added a slightly new dimension on Sunday by incorporating the use of a fullback -- or at least a third tight end playing the role. Known primarily for his blocking, Pharaoh Brown showcased his pass-catching abilities, mixed with some speed to gain yards after the catch, to complete a 58-yard touchdown. It was New England's longest scoring reception of the season, as well as Brown's individual tenure as a pro. He also set his new career-high for receiving yards in a single game with 71.
With Brown often deployed as a lead blocker, the Pats were finally able to gain some much-needed yards on the ground. The Patriots collectively rushed the ball 40 times for 157 yards; their highest output of the season. Ezekiel Elliott led the positional group with 80 yards on 16 carries, while Rhamondre Stevenson contributed 59 yards on 19 attempts. Elliott was particularly effective in the second half, when New England attempted to hold the lead by draining time from the clock -- a trait he used quite effectively during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. With the Cowboys up next on New England's schedule, it would not be a surprise for O'Brien to find a way to get Elliott untracked once again.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Gonzalez Has Arrived
Though Gonzalez may be a rookie, he is already playing with a poise beyond his years. For the third straight week, the Pats first-rounder passed his "trial by fire" in containing one of the NFL's top receivers. Gonzalez covered Jets top wideout Garrett Wilson on nearly half of his routes, holding him to only two receptions. Wilson finished the day with five catches for 48 yards overall. When he was not matched with Wilson, the Pats rookie spent time in coverage on New York's Allen Lazard, against whom he was credited with a pass-breakup.
Gonzalez's quick assimilation into the pro game should be credited to his adaptability and athleticism. Well-sized at 6-2, 200 pounds, the Oregon product is using height and length to match up against opposing teams’ top receivers on the outside, such as Wilson, Philadelphia's A.J. Brown and Miami's Tyreek Hill. Gonzalez is arguably at his best in man coverage. However, his ability to maintain eye contact with the quarterback has also made him an asset in zone. As he continues to demonstrate increased speed, as well as physicality at the catch point, the Pats are showing greater confidence in keeping Gonzalez at the top of the positional depth chart.
Matthew Judon Comes Through Once Again
Since his arrival in Foxboro during the 2021 offseason, Judon has routinely proven that he possesses the versatility and adaptability to have earned the spot as the team’s number one player on the edge. Therefore, it came as little surprise that the 30-year-old delivered the Pats key play when most needed. Clinging to a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Judon blasted through the Jets offensive line on third-and-15 from the Jets five-yard line to find Zach Wilson in the end zone. Judon took the third-year signal caller to the ground, earning the safety and extending the Pats lead to five points at 15-10, the score by which they would hang on to win. It was the Patriots first sack for a safety since a snap was fumbled out of the end zone against the Jets in October 2019.
Judon's on-field awareness puts him in position to keep runs from reaching the corner on early downs. However, his speed and strength when rushing the quarterback sets him apart from his peers. Sunday marked his 12th two-sack game, as he was also credited with a seven-yard sack of Wilson in the first quarter. Thanks largely in part to Judon, the Patriots extended their streak to 22 straight games with a recording at least one sack.
Up Next:
The Patriots will remain on the road as they travel to the heart of Texas for a Week 4 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (2-1) at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.
