New England Survives New York Jets, 26-19, in AFC East Battle | Patriots Roundtable Podcast

The New England Patriots (4-2) gave the New York Jets (2-4) a not-so-friendly welcome back to Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon, outlasting the visitors, 26-19, in a game that was much closer than many forecasted.

On today’s episode of the Patriots Roundtable Podcast, hosts Eddie Marotta and Tyler Geis provide their instant reactions to New England’s third consecutive win — highlighting key performances from returning stars, momentum swings that decided the contest, and the lasting ramifications of another week filled with injuries.

Offensively, the Patriots welcomed wide receiver A.J. Brown back into the lineup for the first time since landing on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 1. His lack of on-field chemistry with Drake Maye was evident — the duo connected on just three of Brown’s 10 targets for 27 yards. Aside from Brown’s struggles, Maye showed flashes of excellence and efficiency, totaling 259 yards of offense and passing for three touchdowns. DeMario Douglas led the way for the New England receiving corps with seven receptions, 86 yards, and one touchdown, but also had his own blunder with a fourth quarter fumble.

Defensively, Christian Gonzalez returned to the secondary and provided a jolt against New York’s leading receiver, Garrett Wilson. When in coverage, Gonzalez allowed just two receptions and 25 receiving yards to Wilson, who finished the game with four catches and 44 yards total. Early on, it was running back Braelon Allen (17 carries, 78 yards) that did most of the damage for the Jets. Late, it was rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (six receptions, 103 yards, one touchdown) that led the team’s comeback efforts. New England was able to rattle Geno Smith in the pocket on several occasions, but the veteran signal caller still finished the game completing 20-of-30 passing attempts with 252 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and three sacks.

New York was able to control the flow of the game throughout, but the Patriots were the better team situationally, and that was enough to win this game. 

New England may have escaped their AFC East tilt with a victory, but injuries continue to plague an already thinning roster. This week, it was the offensive line that once again took the brunt of the blows, as Morgan Moses (ankle), Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring), and Ben Brown (knee) all exited and did not return — leaving the Patriots down to their final two offensive linemen on the active game day roster by the fourth quarter.

New England will have to find answers quickly, as they’re set to hit the road once more for a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

How do you think the Patriots performed in their win over the Jets on Sunday? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.

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