Patriots vs. Jets Snaps & Grades: Judon, Gonzalez Best Performances?
FOXBORO — Following their 15-10 victory over the New York Jets in Week 3 at MetLife Stadium, the New England Patriots continue to take stock into their performance on both sides of the ball.
Having turned in a gritty performance to earn the less-than aesthetically-pleasing win, there are still plenty of areas in which the Pats will seek improvement. While game-film analysis will be the main focus, a look at playing time may assist the team in helping devise effective strategies moving forward.
Before turning their attention to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, here is a final look at the Patriots snap counts, along with a grade for each positional grouping from their win over the Jets.
OFFENSE
On offense, the Pats overall snap count was 72 versus the Jets.
NFL Game Summary: New England Patriots vs. New York Jets 24 Sept. 2023 - Offense Snaps
NFL Copyright © 2023 by The National Football League.
Quarterback:
Despite turning in his lowest statistical single-game output of the season, Mac Jones still performed adequately 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. The 25-year-old is still having his difficulties when attempting to stretch the field
Grade: B-
Running Backs:
New England’s running game finally gained some traction thanks to the second-half efforts of veteran Ezekiel Elliott. The former Dallas Cowboys standout rushed for 80 yards on 16 carries, helping the grind down the clock in key situations. Despite some early struggles, Stevenson still paced New England’s rushing tandem by carrying the ball 19 times for 59 yards on 47 snaps. Though neither Elliott, nor Stevenson earned a rushing touchdown, the running game was finally able to help facilitate play-action for the first time this season.
Grade: B
Receivers:
The Pats corps of receivers had a largely forgettable day in the Meadowlands. Kendrick Bourne provided the best return on investment by earning 46 yards on four catches throughout 56 percent of the team’s plays on offense. NEw England’s top offseason acquisition, JuJu Smith-Schuster continues to be conspicuous by his absence in the box score, despite logging 53 snaps. Smith-Schuster fininshed the day having caught only one pass for five yards, while being whistled for an illegal blindside block penalty, closing his team a crucial 10 yards in the third quarter. After his Week 2 fumble relegated him to the bench for the remainder of the game, rookie Demario Douglas returned to the lineup, albeit for only 17 snaps. Overall, the Pats receivers were the weakest group on offense on Sunday.
Grade: C
Tight Ends:
Hunter Henry once again led the positional group by aligning on 86 percent of the team’s offensive plays. Yet, the Pats captain caught only two passes for 17 yards. While still finding his footing within the Pats’ system, Mike Gesicki logged only one catch for 18 yards. The afternoon ultimately belonged to Pharaoh Brown, who set a new career-high for receiving yards in a single game with 71 - 58 of which came on the Pats only touchdown and longest scoring play of the season. Still, it was Brown’s time spent as a lead run blocker which allowed the Pats to diversify their offensive game plan. In contrast to the runners and receivers, the tight ends have consistently performed well through the first three games.
Grade: B+
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the ball as New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Line:
Following an abysmal showing in Week 2 against the Dolphins, the Pats offensive line showed resilience and promise against a typically fearsome Jets defensive front. After missing the previous week due to a concussion, starting left tackle Trent Brown was outstanding while protecting Mac Jones’ blindside. Brown did not allow a single pressure, en route to earning a 92.4 grade fromPro Football Focus. Newcomer Verderian Lowe got the start on the right side; taking every offensive snap while only allowing one quarterback hit. Collectively, the line was better prepared, and thus more efficient in handling the Jets defensive line’s stunts and movements.
Grade: B+
DEFENSE
On defense, the Pats overall snap count was 63 versus the Jets.
NFL Game Summary: New England Patriots vs. New York Jets 24 Sept. 2023 - Defense Snaps
NFL Copyright © 2023 by The National Football League.
Defensive Line:
After surrendering 145 rushing yards to the Dolphins just one week earlier, the Patriots limited the Jets rushers — including second-year sensation Breece Hall and four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook — to just 38 yards on 22 carries for a 1.7-yard average. In addition to their stifling of the Jets running game, Pats defensive ends Christian Barmore and Deatrich Wise, Jr. brought continuous pressure to quarterback Zach Wilson, with Barmore earning a sack. New England’s defensive line played an integral role in securing the victory in Week 3. Still, it came at a cost, as the Pats placed reserve lineman Daniel Ekuale on injured reserve (torn labrum) and are still monitoring the health of interior tackle Davon Godchaux, who left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury.
Grade: A-
Linebackers:
Matthew Judon was once again New England’s alpha defender, delivering the Pats key play when most needed. Clinging to a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Judon spun by Jets’ lineman Mekhi Becton 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. Judon finished the day with two sacks, two tackles-for-loss, three quarterback hits, and multiple pressures. Both Ja’Whaun Bentley and Josh Uche were active in the pass rush, while Anfernee Jennings also applied situational pressure.
Grade: A
Cornerbacks:
Despite missing a formidable trio of Joneses, the Pats corners more than held their own against a talented group of New York’s pass catchers. For the third straight week, Christian Gonzalez 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. Myles Bryant aligned for 98 percent of the Pats’ plays along the boundary opposite Gonzalez. Save for some struggles during the Jets’ 87-yard scoring drive in the second quarter, the Pats corners played lock down football against New York’s struggling offense.
Grade B+
Safeties:
New England’s Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers are quickly becoming one of the most productive safety tandems in the NFL. In addition to playing nearly every snap (Dugger aligned on all 63, while Peppers took 60,) each eared seven tackles, with Dugger breaking up a pass, as well. Whether it be in coverage or assisting in the blitz, the Patriots safeties are proving themselves to be a deep and talented positional group.
Grade B+
