During the opening drive I was thinking the Pats were making a positive play on nearly every snap, and then when the Jets got the ball their percentage of positive plays was so much lower. Then after those two drives the discrepancy just widened.
When I say 'positive play' I would say it is something along the lines of what Football Outsiders uses for their analysis. I'd characterize it as at least four yards on 1st & ten, on 2nd down half the distance needed for a first down, getting a first down on third down, etc.
First Pats Drive
Pats start out with six straight positive plays, until what appeared to be a busted play on first down at the Jets 23 and Brady throws the ball away. Pats finish with seven out of ten positive plays.
Pats 3, Jets 0
First Jets Drive
Tomlinson had a 14-yard run, but overall the Jets had only four out of thirteen positive plays, culminating with a missed field goal.
Pats 3, Jets 0
Second Pats Drive
For a moment the Jets defense looked like they got it together and might force the Pats into a three and out, but on 3rd and 7 Welker's 14-yard reception gave the Pats a fresh set of downs. PI when Gronkowski beat Smith in the end zone sets up a BJGE touchdown. Only three out of seven plays were positive for the Pats, but each of the three positive plays were big.
Pats 10, Jets 0
Second Jets Drive
Jets have only one out of five positive plays, the last one, a 12-yard punt, being critical; it was the equivalent of a turnover.
Pats 10, Jets 0
Third Pats Drive
The Jets once again win the first two plays: a sack for a loss of 12 and an incomplete pass to Hernandez. But two passes to Branch and the Pats score again. Just two out of four positive plays for the Pats, but that's all that was needed.
Pats 17, Jets 0
Third Jets Drive / 2nd Quarter
Jets respond with five straight positive plays and appear to be headed for a touchdown as the teams switch ends for the start of the 2nd quarter. But the Jets finish with an incomplete pass on 3rd & 3 followed by a 39 yard FG. Seven out of nine positive plays for the Jets - but just three points.
Pats 17, Jets 3
Fourth Pats Drive
Would the Jets make a game of it? First play from scrimmage Woodhead takes a pass from Brady for a 35 yard gain. The only thing that didn't go the Pats way was an offensive pass interference call on Branch. Eight out of nine positive plays for New England.
Pats 24, Jets 3
Fourth Jets Drive
Down by three touchdowns the Jets need to respond - and also give their defense a rest; but all they got was two completions to Holmes for a total of 23 yards. Tomlinson comes up short on 2nd & 4, and then the Jets decide to throw to Edwards on 3rd & 1. Only two out of six positive plays for the Jets.
Pats 24, Jets 3
Fifth Pats Drive
Pats go three and out but the Pats get a positive on a 52-yard punt plus a penalty against the Jets on the play. Two out of four positive plays for the Pats.
Pats 24, Jets 3
Fifth Jets Drive
Jets offense gets another chance to help their defense out but goes three and out; Pats get the ball back at midfield. One out of four positive plays for the Jets.
Pats 24, Jets 3
Sixth Pats Drive
Back to back sacks doom this drive. One out of four positive plays, a 43-yard punt by Mesko with no return.
Pats 24, Jets 3
Sixth Jets Drive
Jets go hurry up out of the shotgun and successfully move the ball on four of their first five snaps. But when it counts the defense holds as time runs out after an incomplete pass and a sack to end the half. Four out of seven positive plays for the Jets - but again zero points.
Pats 24, Jets 3
Overall in the first half the Pats had positive plays 23 out of 38 times; the Jets had positive plays 19 out of 44 times. That's really not all that big a difference. Thing is the timing of the Pats' plays was more clutch, and the plays the Jets did not make - the 12 yard punt, the drop by Edwards - were just as big and in direct contrast to plays by the Pats such as the pass to Branch.
Those kind of numbers above correspond somewhat to how yardage stats don't put the Pats in a flattering light - yet they are 10-2. The Pats are making important plays at clutch times - on both offense as well as on defense.
