Patriots Fan Fights Jets Fan Before Game

On the second snap of overtime, the Jets set up in a four-receiver formation with their two top threats – Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall – on the right side and with Kenbrell Thompkins and Quincy Enunwa to the left.

The Jets should celebrate this week’s victory, but it’s not playoff time just yet. I thought this game was a really good measuring stick to gauge the state of the Patriots heading into the playoffs, considering the Jets offered tougher competition than either Houston or Tennessee could muster in the last two weeks. The Panthers, Patriots, Steelers, Packers and Seahawks all lost, and only the Packers were underdogs. On their final five possessions in regulation, the Jets offense produced just 91 yards and a field goal. But this has been a below-average team of late, going 2-3 since starting 10-0. On his lone carry, reserve RB Joey Iosefa was stuffed for no gain by ILB Demario Davis on third-and-1 from the New England 39 in the first quarter.

A day after New England lost an overtime thriller to the Jets, thanks to his head-scratching decision to kick off at the start of the extra session, the Patriots head coach seemed perplexed at all of the attention paid to his costly decision. This game was big to us to keep us in the playoff hunt.

New England tried to run a bit more than it did in the first meeting, but still managed a measly 63 yards on 22 attempts. Still, they had gotten themselves into a position where they simply had to win to get in. Their backups, Jordan Richards and Duron Harmon weren’t great in coverage. I sense Peyton Manning is done in Denver, so it’s going to be Brock or bust. During the snow, the Patriots won the toss and chose to receive. This team has a happy-to-be-there vibe.

Were you surprised by any other wins or losses in the league? I would prefer Frank Cozstana’s Festivus “feats of strength” instead. Case Keenum won his third straight start for the Rams, completing 14 of 23 passes for 103 yards and a 28-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Britt in the second quarter. After two more punting drives, one by each team, the Patriots tied the game on a 69-yard 12 play drive with a 35-yard field goal.

This year’s Jets have won five games in a row and given the Jets fans something to feel good about again. Bilal Powell, one of the team’s longest tenured members – he was drafted by ex-GM Mike Tannenbaum in 2011 – looked to be the odd man out with the offseason addition of Zac Stacy. If the Jets win, they are in regardless of the circumstances. The Bills won in NY earlier this season and Ryan would like nothing else than to knock out the team that fired him. The four-time Super Bowl victor took the Patriots on an 11-play, 66-yard drive that culminated with a James White nine-yard touchdown reception.

The Jets will qualify for the playoffs if they beat the Buffalo Bills next Sunday. The Steelers need to win their final game against the Browns next week, and they either need the Jets to lose to the Bills, or the Broncos to lose their final two games, for them to get into the postseason. Gronk is always unstoppable, but the emergence of Martin will prove to be important for this offense come playoff time. The next play was a flea flicker that failed, followed by a reverse to Brandon LaFell for 9 yards and a run out of the wildcat by running back Brandon Bolden – with Brady spread wide right. Seven of their wins have been by eight or less points, meaning they’ve had some breaks and they’ve had a cupcake schedule.