Key Takeaways: New England Patriots Secure Playoff Bye
Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, 17-16. In victory, the Patriots secured a first-round playoff bye, but it didn’t come easy.
In what was likely his final game coaching against the Patriots, Rex Ryan had his team fired up from the start. They nearly pulled off a gigantic late-season upset, but the Patriots made just enough plays to emerge as the victors.
Once again the Patriots were plagued by a woeful opening half of play. The offensive line took a beating as the Jets defensive front seemed to be in Brady’s face every time he dropped back. Fortunately, for Brady and company, a couple of big plays and an improved second-half effort, helped them top their long-time rival.
Here are some key takeaways from the Patriots 12th win of the season:
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Offensive line play was concerning
Tom Brady was sacked four times in the game. He was also frequently hurried and knocked down. Bodies were consistently rotating in and out along the offensive line. They struggled to get into a rhythm and it nearly proved costly. They also failed to generate success on the ground. As a team, New England’s backs totaled just 85 yards at 3.5 yards per attempt.
Patriots plagued by another slow start
Aside from a touchdown catch by Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots offense struggled to get things on track. Many players seemed to be out of sync with one another. The Patriots defense stepped up and made a slew of big plays to give the offense a fighting chance. Moving forward, seven first-half points is not going to cut it.
Danny Amendola and Brandon LaFell stepped up
With Julian Edelman sidelined with a concussion, Brady looked in the direction of Amendola and LaFell more often than not. The two came up big. Amendola snagged eight passes for 63 yards. LaFell grabbed seven passes for 64 yards. Amendola’s effort was especially encouraging considering the playoffs are right around the corner. A confident Amendola could add an additional dynamic element to the offense.
Special teams continues to come through in clutch
With the fourth-quarter coming to a close and the Jets threatening to take the lead, Vince Wilfork made a game-saving play. Wilfork got a paw up to block Nick Folk‘s 52-yard field goal attempt. New England was able to hold on to their 17-16 lead from that point onward. Jamie Collins has a field goal block and Brandon Bolded has a punt block in recent games.