Pats All Folks: Patriots, 20 Jets,10
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by Trizz
Spygate II, the ultimate quest for revenge, Mangini vs Belichick, Division rivals, the quest for perfection, there were so much put behind this game but in the end it was a pretty okay game, the end result the Pats win by 10. In a fantasy season saving miracle, Tom Brady was held without a touchdown for the first time since last December against the Dolphins. Brady remains idle at 45 TD, 4 shy of tying Peyton Manning's record, Randy Moss also remained idle at 19 TD, 3 shy of tying Jerry Rice's record.
It was an uncharacteristic Brady game, he has played in New England his whole career so contrary to beliefs, weather wasn't as huge of a factor. He was a little biased in his play calling continuing to look Moss's way and not spreading the ball as much. Brady finished 14-27, and a pick. "One of those days," said Brady, who didn't seem too upset about the touchdown-less game. Overall it was a game for the forgotten players.
Like the Philadelphia game, the first Patriots score was an Eugene Wilson (remember him) interception returned for a touchdown and starting Jets QB Kellen Clemens went down with a rib injury and everyone figured the rout was on. Wilson became the 21st different player to score a TD, tying a record set by the 2000 Rams. Mangini got a little clever, playing both Chad Pennington and former Mizzou QB turned WR Brad Smith, and running options and marched down the field but took a gamble going for it on 4th down and turned the ball over. Then things got interesting, first the Jets blocked a punt and returned it for the easy score and the Patriots respond when 5th string receiver Kelley Washington (remember him) blocked a punt of his own but didnt score the TD.
It was Laurence Maroney(remember him) who scored the easy TD, as he scored the only offensive touchdown, while having a career high in carries and finally getting over the 100 yard mark. The Jets showed some life as well as rookie CB Darelle Revis did a great job in coverage and got only Brady's 6th interception of the season.
With the win the Patriots locked up home field advantage throughout the playoffs and virtually have nothing left to play for except Brady and Moss getting the record. Regardless Belichick says resting players isnt an option. "We're paid professionals. None of this taking a break," corner back Ellis Hobbs said. "But knowing Bill Belichick, I don't see that coming anyway." Belichick remains adamant on going perfect in the division which makes you wonder what will be his excuse to play the starters against the Giants in the season finale.
Of course, the signature to all these Jets-Pats games; the handshake. "Great game, awesome," Belichick appeared to say as they shook hands. Then Belichick walked away, pumping his first twice over his head. "He said, 'good game or good luck,'" Mangini said. "I can't remember." "Maybe they're friends again," Patriots linebacker [[ [1] Tedy Bruschi]] with a laugh. "I don't know. We'll see." In the end the Patriots have beat the Jets 10 out of 11 times and this rivalry will continue to lose luster unless the Jets start competing. Next up, the (0-14) (1-13) Miami Dolphins, the only other team to hold Brady without a TD in December.
