The New England Patriots take on the New York Jets in a regular season game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 27, 2016.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up before playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches players warm up before an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Clouds pass over MetLife Stadium before an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New England Patriots prepare to play against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft walks on the field before an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to throw against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass to running back Dion Lewis (33) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws under pressure from New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) during the first quarter of anNFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) avoids a tackle from New York Jets outside linebacker Darron Lee (50) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a timeout at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is tackled by New York Jets middle linebacker David Harris (52) and outside linebacker Darron Lee (50) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by New York Jets middle linebacker David Harris (52) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) comes down with a touchdown catch in front of New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) celebrates with running back James White (28) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) is tackled by New York Jets free safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) and cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) as New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) tries to block during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) motions for a first down after running the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) breaks a tackle by New York Jets cornerback Buster Skrine (41) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) is tackled by New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) huddles with teammates during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws under pressure from New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) slaps hands with center David Andrews (60) ash he jogs off the field during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday against the New York Jets, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New England Patriots celebrate a missed field goal by the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) kicks a field goal against the New York Jets during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) makes a touchdown catch against New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) is congratulated by New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch (97) after kicking a field goal against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) reacts after dropping a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring a 2-point conversion against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) gets a hand on the ball as New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots recovered the ball on the fumble. The Patriots won 22-17.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) reacts after recovering a fumble by the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) is congratulated by teammates after recovering a fumble by the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) is congratulated by teammates after recovering a fumble by the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) is congratulated by teammates and coaches after forcing a fumble on New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles, left, and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick meet at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) after playing in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws under pressure from the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) talks with New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) after playing in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) walks off the field after playing in an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) answers questions during a news conference after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick finishes answering questions at a news conference after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) steps into the interview room for a news conference after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) answers questions during a news conference after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Los NE Patriots, luchando hasta los últimos minutos, lograron esta tarde una gran victoria de 22-17 frente a los NY Jets, triunfo que los mantiene cómodamente al tope de la División Este de la AFC con un record de 9-2.
"Un juego de división y de visita es siempre duro de jugar. Ellos jugaron muy bien y estoy contento que hicimos las jugadas al final", manifestó Brady acerca del triunfo de esta noche.
Por su parte Belichick comentó:
"Siempre es muy bueno ganar un juego de división de visita. Nuestros jugadores hicieron un gran trabajo, preparándose duro y luchando hasta el final".
Un comienzo torpe
En el primer cuarto de juego las cosas no funcionaban en ninguna de las fases del equipo de NE. Brady termina sus 3 marchas ofensivas con despejes de Ryan Allen y la secundaria cede yardas aéreas a los WRs Brandon Marshall y Quincy Enunwa.
Las penurias no se limitaron solamente al trabajo realizado por el equipo al inicio, sino que a ello se suma la pérdida del TE Rob Gronkowski (lesión a la espalda). El TE no volvió al campo de juego por el resto de la tarde.
Ya al inicio de la segunda mitad, los Patriots con una desventaja de 0-10 logran poner sus primeros 3 puntos y continúan mejorando. La defensa a través de Malcolm Butler logra recuperar un fumble y devuelve el balón a la ofensiva de Brady que no desperdicia la oportunidad.
Contando con la cooperación de Dion Lewis y del "jugador de la noche", Malcolm Mitchell, el QB estrella de los Pats logra conectar con este último y logra emparejar el marcador con un TD de 4 yardas. 10-10.
"Creo que Malcolm [Mitchell] se ha ganado la confianza de todos porque él viene cada día y trabaja muy duro, está comprometido con el equipo, el football es importante para él y ha sobresalido en los momentos importantes", dijo Brady de su novato WR.
El joven Mitchell acabó su jornada de hoy receptando 5 pases, 83 yd y 2 TD.
En esta noche, Brady también contó con la colaboración de Julian Edelman (8 rec, 83 yd), Chris Hogan (4 rec, 70 yd), Lewis (4 rec, 34 yd) y James White (4, 22 yd).
Un final de la primera mitad desilusionante
Un buen trabajo de la defensa de NE obliga a los Jets a intentar un gol de campo de 54 yardas, el cual es bloqueado por los equipos especiales (a través de Alan Branch). Brady no aprovecha una nueva oportunidad al final de la primera mitad y sin mucho tiempo en el reloj (12 segundos) cede a Stephen Gostkowski la posibilidad de sumar 3 puntos e irse a los vestuarios adelante en el marcador. El pateador del equipo falla su intento de FG de 39 yardas.
Este fue el cuarto gol de campo errado por Gostkowski, el K también ha fallado 3 puntos extras esta temporada.
Empieza la segunda mitad y otra vez empieza a relucir el juego irregular de New England
Al inicio de la segunda mitad la defensa de los Pats continúa con su buen trabajo obligando a la ofensiva de los Jets a devolver el balón tras solo 5 jugadas de Fitzpatrick.
Brady, empezando desde su yarda 31 logra llevar el balón hasta la yarda 11 de los Jets con la cooperación de Julian Edelman, James White y LeGarrette Blount, pero es obligado a resignarse con un gol de campo de 29 yd de Gostkowski.
Tras un intercambio de posición del balón, ya iniciado el último cuarto, los Jets vuelven a la carga y logran explotar las deficiencias defensivas de su rival para anotar un TD de 22 yardas con su WR Quincy Enunwa. Los Jets pasan adelante otra vez (NE 13, Jets 17)
New York vuelve a tomar la delantera y Brady intenta contragolpear, pero su intento se queda corto y tienen otra vez más que resignarse con un gol de campo, el cual no es suficiente para pasar adelante (NE 16, Jets 17).
Empieza la recuperación
Es aquí cuando la defensa de New England, con 7:02 en el reloj, vuelve a la carga y evita que Ryan Fitzpatrick logre mover las cadenas, recuperando el balón para su ofensiva después de solo 5 jugadas.
"Creo que en esos 7 minutos hicimos muchas cosas buenas y jugamos nuestro mejor football, cuando más era necesario", dijo Belichick
Brady y su ofensiva desarrollan su mejor marcha del partido tras realizar jugada tras jugada desde la formación "shotgun" o escopeta. Sus armas más usadas de la noche, Edelman, White, Lewis, Hogan cooperan para que al final Brady lance un pase de 8 yardas al novato Malcolm Mitchell y ponga el marcador 22-17.
Una pequeña dosis de pass rushing
Los Jets, con 1:56 intentan revertir el marcador, pero tras solo 2 jugadas, el DE Chris Long logra un balón suelto forzado al QB Fitzpatrick, balón que es recuperado por el DE Trey Flowers; jugada que puso fin a las pretensiones del equipo de New York.
Noche histórica para el QB de New England
Un gran cierre ofensivo de Brady que corona el record obtenido la noche de hoy cuando sobrepasó la marca de las 60,000 yardas (60,229), record solo logrado por otros 4 QBs en la historia de la NFL. Este también fue el triunfo número 200 de la ilustre carrera del QB de New England.
Brady terminó su actuación de esta noche completando 30 de 50, 286 yd, 2 TD)
Conclusión
¿Fue bonito? No. ¿Se ganó con comodidad? No. ¿Se logró el objetivo? Si. Y eso es lo que al final importa, lograr una difícil victoria frente a un siempre complicado rival de división que no dio tregua alguna a lo largo del juego.
Una actuación llena de "lapsos de mal juego" que en esta oportunidad fue suficiente para ganar al rival que se tenía hoy al frente, pero que no lo será para salir airosos frente a los equipos más duros del torneo.
Ya estamos avisados. Mejorar ya no es una opción, a estas alturas del campeonato es una necesidad.
