FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots won 27-25 in an absolute squeaker against the New York Jets.
The Patriots’ run defense was gashed by the Jets, allowing 218 yards and a touchdown on 43 carries. The Patriots, on the other hand, had trouble establishing their running game, and lost the time-of-possession battle 40:49 to 19:06.
There weren’t many standout players, but here are three Patriots who had solid performances against the Jets.
SHANE VEREEN
Vereen found himself wide open on the Patriots’ first offensive drive for a 49-yard touchdown reception. In honor of his fallen teammate, Stevan Ridley, Vereen did the injured running back’s patented end zone dance: kicking down the door.
Vereen totaled 11 rushes for 43 yards and five receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns. He was the primary beneficiary of Ridley’s carries with the starter out for the season with a torn ACL.
DANNY AMENDOLA
Amendola, who has been disappointing in his season and a half with the Patriots, took on a new role on Thursday night: kick returner. Amendola brought back four kicks for 105 yards, and he was much more productive than Patrick Chung has been in the role.
Amendola also caught a crazy leaping touchdown to put the Patriots ahead 27-19 in the fourth quarter. Amendola capped off the night by recovering a Jets onside kick after Brandon LaFell muffed it.
DONT’A HIGHTOWER
Second-year Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins struggled at times taking over Jerod Mayo’s middle linebacker role, but Hightower was effective as a 4-3 outside linebacker and 3-4 inside backer. He recorded 13 tackles with a sack in his first game back from a knee injury.
Hightower also took over the Patriots’ defensive huddle and played with the green dot communication helmet. It didn’t appear to slow him down.
The Patriots’ run defense was horrendous, but Hightower didn’t appear to be responsible for their issues.
Photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
