EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New England Patriots proved one thing Sunday: They can win ugly.
Playing one of the NFL’s worst teams, the Patriots beat the New York Jets just 17-16 as they had trouble moving the ball on offense and stopping Gang Green’s rushing attack.
The Patriots’ offensive line allowed four sacks as quarterback Tom Brady was beat up all game.
With all the negatives out of the way, here are this week’s stars of the game:
DANNY AMENDOLA
Amendola didn’t replace Julian Edelman, who was out with a concussion, but he filled in admirably as the Patriots’ slot/Z receiver.
Amendola caught eight passes on 11 targets for 63 yards. He also returned four punts for 72 yards and five kickoffs for 91 yards.
For someone who’s known as being injury prone, Amendola was hit hard throughout the game and kept popping back up.
JAMIE COLLINS
Collins made one of the key plays of the game, picking off a Geno Smith pass in the fourth quarter after the Jets quarterback was pressured by defensive end Chandler Jones.
Collins recorded 11 tackles, including one for a loss, while playing inside linebacker.
BRANDON LAFELL
LaFell came up big in the second half, and he finished the game with seven catches for 64 yards on 10 targets. The Patriots’ lack of depth at wide receiver reared its ugly head, as Brian Tyms was held catchless, but LaFell and Amendola stepped up in Edelman’s absence.
DONT’A HIGHTOWER
The Jets were about to take the lead in the fourth quarter on a field goal with the Patriots up 17-16, when Hightower sacked Smith for a 10-yard loss. The linebacker also made a key pass breakup on tight end Jeff Cumberland.
Thumbnail photo via Bill Kostroun/Associated Press
