The Patriots are officially AFC East champions after dismantling the Jets in the Meadowlands, followed by an Eagles victory over the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday evening.
It was a great moment as players and coaches rode buses back to Gillette Stadium, eyes glued to phone screens, as the Eagles closed out a win over the Bills to help New England earn its first AFC East title since 2019. Upon arrival, the team took a picture in their hats and T-shirts to quickly celebrate the division crown, but as head coach Mike Vrabel said, it's "back to work" on the Dolphins and fine-tuning things with the playoffs now on the horizon.
As for our review of Sunday's game, we'll have film notes and analysis, as always, but let's not over-analyze a contest that was very one-sided. There was one team on the MetLife Stadium field that was a buttoned-up operation with great quarterback play, coaching, and solid roster talent. Let's leave it at that.
The Patriots have the foundation in place of coaching and quarterback play to "take advantage of bad football" for the foreseeable future. As we saw this season, just being above that line can lead you to several wins, and the Patriots ability to dominate an opponent despite being down eight starters is a testament to their infrastructure, an ode back to the dynasty days when the beat would go on as long as Belichick was on the sideline and Brady was upright, which is where things are trending with Maye and Vrabel.
In only his second season, QB Drake Maye is operating at a level the shorthanded Jets defense couldn't handle, which again speaks to the baseline performance the Patriots should expect moving forward. According to ESPN's total QBR metric, which measures a quarterback's efficiency as a passer and runner, Maye posted a 99.8 QBR out of 100 vs. the Jets, the highest single-game mark for any quarterback since 2006. Maye also added +1.28 expected points per drop-back, the best single-game total EPA output of any quarterback this season and the second-best game by EPA in the last 10 seasons.â
In my charting, Maye had nine 'plus' plays to 3.5 minus throws/decisions in just 24 drop-backs â when he's up against this level of competition, Maye is going to carve the defense up. On the season, he now leads the NFL in the following categories: completion rate, yards per pass attempt, total QBR, passer rating, completion percentage over expectation, and total EPA. Did someone say MVP?
Again, we won't spend too much time on the Jets game because it would be disingenuous to take much from it. Luckily, we'll have playoff games soon to dissect the game plans and execution in our typical fashion. For now, let's enjoy the AFC East title. and a 13-3 record.
Here are quick-hit film notes on the Patriots offense and defense from Sunday's win over the Jets, After Further Review.
Quick-Hit Film Notes From Patriots-Jets
Offense
- With versatile WR Mack Hollins (abdomen) landing on injured reserve, the Patriots used eight different personnel groupings on Maye's drives, tied for second-most in a game this season. Their most-used personnel grouping was still three WR/11 (19 snaps), but they also played 19 snaps with two backs, 16 snaps with six OLs, and 14 snaps with multiple tight ends. Although it's only one game, it's pretty clear they'll rely more on their heavy personnel packages to get run blockers on the field moving forward.
- My one nitpick of a dominant offensive performance was two stuffed third-and-short runs. The Pats were stuffed on a 3rd-and-2 duo run where the linemen didn't trigger off their double-teams, leading to two unblocked linebackers in the backfield. Jumbo tight end/OT3 Thayer Munford then missed his goal-line block on a 3rd-and-1 stuff. Simply put, you need to be able to get a yard or two on the ground in those situations in the postseason, and the Patriots rank 27th in rushing success rate in "power" situations (short-yardage, goal-line), which puts more stress on the passing game and forces Vrabel to possibly go for it on fourth down â an area of needed improvement.
- WR Stefon Diggs has had some lulls in usage this season but seems to be ramping it up for the playoffs with back-to-back 100-yard performances. Diggs made a highlight-reel catch along the right sideline on a scramble drill (31 yards), caught two inside crossing routes by finding wide-open holes in the Jets zones (26, 21), ran a nasty triple-move juke route to uncover for 12 yards, and McDaniels brought back the "shield" screen on Diggs' touchdown. The Pro Bowl wideout has put on an absolute clinic over the last two weeks, whether that's separating versus man coverage, finishing contested targets, or finding voids against zone â teach tape kind of stuff. â
- Another Patriot who is rounding into form just in time for the playoffs is RB Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson has been terrific over the last three games, with 102 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 13 touches vs. the Jets (7.8 yards/touch). He avoided two tackles while rumbling to a 24-yard run, had a nice peek-a-boo run to set up his blocks for 11 yards, and Maye/McDaniels owned the Jets on two third-down catches by manipulating their coverage assignments with Stevenson shifting as a coverage indicator. First, on his 22-yard touchdown on the "scissors" concept from the backfield, and then on a 17-yard pick play to convert a 3rd-and-8. Stevenson is operating at a high level in the run and pass game right now.
- The Patriots two-headed monster at running back is starting to take shape, with Henderson also grinding out some dirty yards in this game. Henderson had runs of 17, 16, and 12 yards. He gained 13.5 yards and 12.8 yards after contact on his two long conventional runs, pushing the pile in both instances. Henderson also had some smooth cutbacks on outside zone schemes (six yards each) and avoided a tackle in the backfield to turn a negative run into a four-yard gain. The lone blemish was a two-yard stuff where Henderson got tackled in the hole by the defender he had to make miss in the scheme.
- TE Hunter Henry delivered another solid all-around performance with four 'plus' blocks in the run game, a 13-yard catch on a nice adjustment, and he caught a 13-yard touchdown. Henry's final snap was a 23-yard screen pass, hitting 55 catches on the season in style to trigger an incentive ($). As someone who stuck around through three-straight losing seasons, it's great to see Henry have success â a Pro Bowl-caliber season in my book.
- WR Efton Chism III had his first NFL catch and first NFL touchdown in his first significant snaps at wide receiver this season (39 snaps). Chism's first-career catch was his most impressive play, ID'ing the all-out pressure and getting the corner (CB Jordan Clark) off his inside leverage to win across Clark's face on the slant. Maye put the ball in a perfect spot on his touchdown, and Chism made a nice sliding catch. He also executed the pick play well with Stevenson and had a nice perimeter block on Henderson's reverse.
- WR Kyle Williams drew an 18-yard pass interference on a slot fade that set up a TD, ran an 11-yard spot route, and moved the chains on a four-yard comebacker. However, he dropped a dime from Maye in the cover-two hole before halftime and ran a hitch a yard short of the sticks on 3rd-and-7 â a few details to clean up for the rookie, who will play more without WR Mack Hollins.
- LT Vederian Lowe didn't have to face off against Jets edge rusher Will McDonald IV, as McDonald missed the game due to a knee injury. Instead, Lowe saw a mix of Jets rushers, allowing a pressure to DL Michael Clemons when he wrapped outside from the three-technique and a bull-rush pressure to DL Payton Page. Lowe also missed a cut block and was on the scene for a stuffed run, but had a nice combination block on Stevenson's 24-yard run. Overall, Lowe has been serviceable in his four starts.
- LG Ben Brown struggled out of the gate, allowing two pressures and a run stuff on the opening drive. DT Jawan Briggs' playing strength gave Brown some problems with a bull rush and a push-pull move to generate pressure, while Clemons went through his outside shoulder for another pressure. Brown did settle down some and had a 'plus' block on Stevenson's 24-yard run, but he seemed rusty after mostly sitting out the last two games after the bye week.â
- C Garrett Bradbury had an excellent frontside reach block on an outside zone run to overtake the shaded nose tackle, netting a 6-yard gain. However, he was on the scene for two stuffed runs, including a draw where he couldn't move DT Harrison Phillips. Bradbury's pass protection has been solid all year, his leadership is terrific, and his lateral movement in the run game is stellar, but they'll have to manage his 1-on-1s at the point of attack in the run game in the playoffs.
- RG Mike Onwenu had five 'plus' run blocks, including a nice frontside combination block on a 17-yard run and two duo blocks that netted 5-yard runs. Onwenu was on the scene for two run stuffs but was clean in pass protection and was moving bodies with RT Morgan Moses.
- RT Morgan Moses has been the Patriots best run blocker all season with five 'plus' blocks in the run game against the Jets. He consistently creates movement on his duo/doubles and can block in space on climbs and pulls, helping produce runs of 17 and 11 yards at the point of attack. Moses did allow two pressures to bull rushes, as his pad level can get a tad high at times, but he's consistently a net-positive every week.
- OT3 Thayer Munford missed a block on Jermaine Johnson III on a goal-line run stuff, while playing 16 snaps as the "muscle" tight end in jumbo packages. Overall, Munford has been solid in that role, and one would expect him to continue contributing in jumbo packages. â
- TE Austin Hooper delivered a solid block on Stevenson's 24-yard run and caught a goal-line touchdown off a play-action scheme but was on the scene for a run stuff. Hooper played 27 snaps, his most since Week 12, as the Patriots find ways to replace Hollins.
- WR DeMario Douglas was questionable coming into the game with a hamstring injury, which might've contributed to his low usage (nine snaps, season-low 13.6%). Douglas might be more of a package player than a regular, but more man coverage is coming in the playoffs, and they'll need Douglas's separation ability at some point. He'll be heard from in January, in my opinion.
- QB Pressures (Maye pressure rate - 37.5%): Maye (sack), Brown (3), Lowe (2), Moses (2), Onwenu (0), Bradbury (0).
Defense/Special Teams
- Although we promised not to overreact to this film, the Patriots hopes of a deep playoff run hinge on their front seven getting healthy (Landry, Spillane, Tonga, Williams). In the first three quarters, New England only pressured Jets QB Brady Cook on five of his 18 drop-backs (27.8%), and Jets RB Breece Hall had six successful runs. The Pats need more disruption up front, whether that's pressuring quarterbacks or getting off blocks vs. the run.
- CB Christian Gonzalez had a rematch with Jets WR Adonai Mitchell, who gave him some trouble in Week 11. Cook went 0-for-5 with an interception, throwing to Mitchell against Gonzalez. Gonzalez blanketed Mitchell on a go route as FS Jaylinn Hawkins ranged over the top to intercept the pass. Gonzalez also had good coverage against Mitchell on a back-shoulder fade, but Cook threw two uncatchable balls to Mitchell, which would've been short completions, and was sacked on a play where Gonzalez was trailing in coverage on an underneath crosser by WR John Metchie III. Gonzalez seemed a willing participant in run support, logging two run tackles.
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings was active with a QB hit, a hurry, and two run stuffs. He nearly had a sack when he went through the tight ends' "sift' block on the first play of the second half, but Cook just got the ball out on a pseudo-throw away. Jennings also played his technique well as the unblocked "read" defender on a zone-read for a stuff. If the Patriots play a run-heavy offense, you wonder if Jennings will keep getting some early-down snaps as a sturdy edge-setter.
- EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson appeared to over-run the ball as the backside contain player on Hall's 19-yard run, but the handoff was all jacked up by the Jets, so it was a bit fluky. Chaisson did chase a power-read play down from the backside later on, nearly intercepted a perimeter screen (batted pass), and logged a QB hit. Chaisson's motor has run hot for 17 straight games, which is a testament to his effort and finish each week.
- DT Christian Barmore seemed to take exception to Jets RT Armand Membou "finishing" his block by landing on top of Barmore while he was already on the ground. Linemen are taught to do that so defenders don't get up off the ground and make a play on the ball, but Membou added a little extra. Barmore logged a QB hit and a hurry (inside twist), but was a bit streaky against the run. He lost some ground against duo blocks on runs that gained eight and five yards.
- DT Cory Durden played 31 snaps and was also a bit inconsistent in this game. He got turned out of his gap on Hall's 59-yard touchdown run and lost a few reps to double teams but also logged two pressures with a nice bull rush on LG John Simpson and a pair of run stuffs. I still believe that Durden will be useful in the playoffs once he's back in a rotational role alongside Barmore, Tonga, and Williams.
- CB Carlton Davis III was only targeted twice in coverage on a sprayed out on 2nd-and-20 (incomplete) and a six-yard completion on third-and-8 that led to a Jets punt. The Pats brought a zone blitz on the play to heat up Cook, then fell into a quarters coverage with Davis and Gonzalez on the outside. Davis allowed the completion but got the stop short of the sticks. He's looking pretty comfortable out there for the postseason run.
- CB Marcus Jones made a great tackle on his only target in man coverage, where Cook extended the play and completed a 10-yard pass to speedy WR Isaiah Williams. Jones gave up the completion on 4th-and-11 but got Williams on the ground a yard short of the sticks for the coverage stop. That wasn't an easy tackle in space against a receiver with returner skills.
- S Jaylinn Hawkins read Cook like a book on his interception, following the Jets QB's eyes to Mitchell on the deep target. However, Hawkins did miss a tackle on RB Breece Hall, which turned a short check-down into a 21-yard completion.
- Rookie S Craig Woodson logged an unblocked blitz pressure coming off the left edge and wasn't targeted in coverage but couldn't get Hall on the ground as the force defender on an outside run, which netted a 9-yard gain for the Jets running back.
- EDGE Elijah Ponder had a nice run stuff working with LB Christian Elliss, where Ponder "spilled" or went inside the tight end to get the ball to bounce to Elliss, who was overlapping from the second level. Ponder also logged an unblocked pressure and a quarterback hit in the fourth quarter.
- LB Jack Gibbens made a nice play to avoid a pick route by Jets TE Jeremy Ruckert to cover Hall in the flat on third down, resulting in a tackle for loss on 3rd-and-8. Gibbens has a good feel for working short zones in passing situations and added a run stuff. He also had a nice "coffee house" stunt on the Jets first third down, where he faked like he was going to drop into coverage and then came on the blitz.â
- DTs Eric Gregory (swim move) and Leonard Taylor III (run stuff, T/T stunt pressure) both flashed some block anticipation and feel for navigating the trenches. Gregory beat Jets LG John Simpson clean with a swim move to get in the backfield immediately, leading to a four-yard loss on the play once Hall was run out of bounds by LB Jahlani Tavai.
- Didn't see much from rookie EDGE Bradyn Swinson, who played a career-high 26 snaps on defense. He did log a hurry with a spin move on LT Olu Fashanu that flushed Cook out of the pocket, his best rush in the NFL to date.
- On the Jets successful fake punt, the Patriots had their "grey" return unit on the field for the 4th-and-2 around midfield in anticipation of a potential fake, which included defensive starters Marcus Jones, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Christian Barmore. Special teams ace Brenden Schooler was just a step late to trigger to the intended target (Malachi Moore), but this wasn't an egregious dupe by the Jets on a 3-yard completion. New York's second fake punt attempt failed.
- QB Pressures: Taylor (2), Ponder (2), Barmore (2), Jennings (2), one each (Swinson, Woodson, Pettus, Chaisson, Durden, Mapu). Run stops: Taylor (3), Muma (2), Tavai (2), Jennings (2), one each (Pettus, Elliss, Chaisson, Gibbens, Durden).
- Coverage: Gonzalez (6/2/14 yards), Battle (4/2/14 yards), Pettus (3/2/21 yards), Woods (3/3/27 yards), Mapu (3/2/11 yards/PBU), Schooler (3/2/6 yards), Gibbens (2/2/2 yards), Davis (2/1/6 yards), Ponder (1/1/17 yards), Jones (1/1/10 yards), Hawkins (1/1/21 yards/INT), Tavai (1/1/6 yards).
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