“Large chunks” of New England Patriots fans reportedly left Gillette Stadium early after rookie quarterback Drake Maye went down with a head injury late in the first half of Sunday’s game.
Those individuals might regret not sticking around long enough to see veteran Jacoby Brissett trot onto the field and lead the team to an improbable comeback win over the visiting New York Jets.
Brissett hadn’t taken a snap since Week 5, but he looked solid under center in his return. One of the reasons for that success was due to an incredible effort by the offensive line. The big boys up front played with some fire in their bellies after getting dominated in the first meeting between the two teams in Week 3.
Brissett finished the game going 15-of-24 passing for 132 yards. His favorite target was tight end Hunter Henry, but wideout Kayshon Boutte made key plays down the stretch, including a tight-window grab at the one-yard line on the game-winning drive.
A simple hand-off to running back Rhamondre Stevenson was all New England needed to shut the door on the Jets in a 25-22 victory.
The Patriots’ defense also deserves credit in the game for keeping the Jets’ rushing attack in check and getting off the field in key moments. It was a valiant effort for a team missing multiple starters, including both safeties.
New England should take a little time to celebrate this victory, and then it’s back to work next week on the road against the Tennessee Titans.
