First Quarter Reactions: Patriots vs. Jets
So far to open this one the Patriots are playing with much more intensity than the Jets, with the defense putting pressure on New York quarterback Mark Sanchez and holding the Jets’ offense to a shutout and making a statement here on Monday night football. They’ve run up 17-points on Rex Ryan’s club, and so far the Patriots are off and running at the end of the first quarter.
Defensively and on special teams we’re seeing plenty of big time hits, and there’s certainly plenty of energy offensively. Deion Branch helped make a big reception on New England’s opening drive, which helped set up a 41-yard field goal by Shane Graham to give the Patriots a 3-0 lead.
Later in the quarter a pass interference penalty on a deep throw to Rob Gronkowksi helped set up their first touchdown, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis taking it in to give the Patriots a 10-0 lead.
In the closing minutes facing a 4th and 3, head coach Bill Belichick elected to go for it and Brady hit Deion Branch on a quick throw, and Branch took off 25-yards for the touchdown to put them up 17-0.
Tom Brady is currently 5-of-10 for 87-yards with a touchdown, and has a QB rating of 113.3.
The Gillette crowd is doing a solid job of helping out in this one, and has been loud – and the club took a different approach with the cheerleaders waving “L-O-U-D” cards to help get the fans going.
Needless to say they’re off to a good start, and hopefully it will continue over the final three quarters.
We’ll have more throughout this one, so be sure and check back for updates and follow us on Twitter @patsfans and @ianlogue.
