Cover32: Grade Day: Which New England Patriot performed best against the Jets? | New England Patriots

Grade Day: Which New England Patriot performed best against the Jets? | New England Patriots

The New England Patriots came out with their muskets firing against the New York Jets on a wet and humid October night in Foxborough, MA on Thursday Night Football. It looked like it would be a banner game for the Patriots after a four-play, 80-yard drive was highlighted by a 49-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady to running back Shane Vereen gave the Patriots the lead a minute-and-a-half into the game.



That lead did not last long as the Jets drove deep into New England territory on long, sustained drives on their first five possessions of the game. The Jets dominated the game as they ran 80 plays to the Patriots 53, had 28 first downs to the Patriots 16, 218 yards rushing to the Patriots 63 and controlled the ball for over 40 minutes. But the Jets still lost the game 27-25, falling short on a two-point conversion and a blocked 58-yard, desperation field goal.



The Patriots were gassed physically and mentally on the field after just a three-day turnaround from a tough, physical game against the Buffalo Bills. Factor in the emotional swings that came with the loss of defensive captain Jerod Mayo and starting running back Stevan Ridley, and the Patriots were in a vulnerable position. Fortunately, they escaped the trap game as they rode the leadership and strong play of quarterback Tom Brady and earned a few days of rest after playing four games in the last 18 days.



With the 27-25 win in the books, here are the grades from Thursday night:

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