NFL: Four picks by New England’s defense help the Patriots ground the Jets
East Rutherford, New Jersey - The New England Patriots shut down the New York Jets often and early as two of the most highly-touted rookie quarterbacks got a taste of how tough NFL defenses really can be.
The Patriots took care of the Jets easily, winning 25-6 in a game where growing pains were definitely the name of the game.
The second-overall pick in April’s draft, Zach Wilson (22) made his second start for the Jets and a had game worth forgetting by the time the clock showed zeroes.
In his first 10 pass attempts, Wilson threw four interceptions. That was more picks than he threw his final season playing college football last year.
Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson led the way with two interceptions, while Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips had one pick apiece.
It was far from the greatest performance for any quarterback, especially if you’re a rookie. Wilson finished with 19 of 33 pass attempts completed, for 210 yards, no touchdowns, and a dismal 37.0 quarterback rating for the game.
Patriots rookie Mac Jones wasn’t much better with 22-for-30 passing for 186 yards, but no interceptions or touchdowns either.
With such shoddy quarterback play, the running game had to literally carry the load for both teams.
The Jets might’ve gained more ground – 152 yards rushing to New England’s 101 – but they scored no touchdowns, an area that the Patriots cashed in on with two scores by Damien Harris and James White.
Even New England’s leading receiver was White, catching six passes for 45 yards.
New England’s defensive unit in addition to the interceptions, banded together to hold the entire Jets offense to two field goals scored, despite New York having more total yards (336) than the Patriots (260).
Next Sunday, the Patriots (1-1) play host to the Saints (1-1) while the Jets (0-2) look for their first win of the season in Denver against the Broncos (2-0).
Cover photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI