New York Jets vs. New England Patriots: Initial observations and thoughts

Quick observations and thoughts from the game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots.

The New York Jets played tougher than anyone expected against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. An Austin Seferian-Jenkins touchdown was reversed on a controversial replay review, and in the end the Jets fell by the score of 24-17. Here are some observations and thoughts:

• Josh McCown can play with the big boys: For all of the grief the Jets were given for signing McCown, he played well again versus the Patriots. He threw for 354 yards and two touchdowns and was able to lead the team down the field for a good portion of this game. When nothing was open, he made plays with his legs to the tune of the second-most rushing yards on the team.
• Darron Lee is improving: Does Lee still need help in the passing game? Absolutely. Can he make a play against the run? Most definitely. He seemed to be all over the field. The biggest difference is how he is seeing the field better and can diagnose plays faster. Maybe he will fit the bill of a first round pick after all.
• The Jets couldn’t put the Patriots away: As bad as that call was, and it was bad, it didn’t have to come to that. If the Jets could have scored more than 14 in the first half, it likely wouldn’t have mattered. At 14-0, the offense stalled, giving Tom Brady and company the chance to tie things up before the half and eventually win it. If they could have kept the momentum they would have won going away. The controversy could have been avoided.
• Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a different guy: Maybe something really did change after he left Tampa Bay. Seferian-Jenkins is flying around the field like a different football player. He tied for a team-high eight receptions for 46 yards and one touchdown (should have been two). ASJ seems to finally be realizing the talent that earned him a second round draft choice.

Next: Behind the numbers: Jets vs Patriots

The biggest observation is that the Jets can play with the big boys. Nobody really expected them to win this one. But they didn’t get blown out. They showed they could stay in it until the very end. That will give the team confidence as they move into the tougher part of their schedule. Confidence for a young team is almost as valuable as a win.