Second QTR Reactions: Patriots vs. Jets
So far Rex Ryan may have planned on coming into Foxboro and making a statement, but it’s been all New England through two quarters of play as they currently lead 24-3.
The Patriots have had little trouble moving the ball against New York, with Danny Woodhead as the big highlight of the 2nd quarter after he made a 35-yard reception to help set up a 4-yard touchdown reception by Brandon Tate. For Tom Brady that touchdown pass was the 250th of his career – with #12 being only the 14th player ever to accomplish that feat.
So far he’s 10-of-16 for 152 yards and two touchdowns. They’ve also gotten great production out of their running game, finishing the first half with 51-yards on the ground. BenJarvus Green-Ellis has carried 9 times for 37-yards and a touchdown (4.1 avg). The leading receivers so far are Wes Welker (4 receptions for 45-yards) and Deion Branch (3 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown), while Brandon Tate also had a 4-yard touchdown grab.
Defensively this may be one of the best performances we’ve seen all season. They’ve been flawless on defense and we’re seeing all kinds of different personnel sets which have clearly frustrated Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense. They’ve matched the Patriots in terms of time of possession (Patriots 15:48, while the Jets had the ball for14:12) , but haven’t been able to do much in terms of gaining yards or converting 3rd downs (they’re 2-of-8 through two quarters).
The Jets are having some success running the ball, but the way this game is going they’re close to having to become one-dimensional if they hope to get back in this one. So far Sanchez is just 8-of-18 for 77-yards (QB rating of 56.9), and he’s not having much success getting anything going.
One thing also worth noting, BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for his 10th touchdown of the year, with the team’s official Twitter channel pointing out that it’s the most by a Patriot since Corey Dillon rushed for 13 TDs in 2006.
We’ll have more throughout this one, so be sure and check back for updates and follow us on Twitter @patsfans and @ianlogue.
