The New England Patriots scored the most points they’ve put up this year in just the first half alone on Sunday afternoon, cruising to their first home victory of the 2021 season by a score of 54-13 over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
New England (3-4) went right down the field in 2:17 to start the game, and on a trick play wide receiver Kendrick Bourne would throw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor. The Pats added a one yard TD run by Damien Harris, a Nick Folk 39 yard field goal, and touchdown passes from Mac Jones to Brandon Bolden and Hunter Henry in the first half. The touchdown from Henry was his fourth consecutive game reaching the endzone, the longest streak for a New England tight end since Rob Gronkowski in 2013. New York (1-5) lost their starting QB Zach Wilson early in the second due to an apparent leg injury, and he didn’t return. Backup Mike White threw a short three yard TD to Corey Davis for the Jets score in the opening 30 minutes, and it was 31-7 at the break.
New England kept adding on in the second half getting a 50 yard Folk field goal, a Harris three yard TD run, and a pair of one yard J.J. Taylor scoring runs. The 54 points is the most in a game for the Patriots since they put up 55 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013. New York hadn’t allowed 50 or more points in a game since 1995 (420 games). The Jets scored their other touchdown on a 19 yard reverse by receiver Elijah Moore on the first possession of the third quarter.
Jones went 24-36 passing for 307 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions. Brian Hoyer got some time as well going 3-4 for 79 yards. Harris rushed 14 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns, while Taylor in a limited role ran nine times for 21 yards and found the endzone twice. Bolden had six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown, while Bourne caught four for 68 and also threw that first quarter TD pass. Kyle Dugger had six total tackles and an interception to lead the defense. White would finish the game for Wilson and go 20-32 passing for 202 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Wilson before his injury was 6-10 for 51 yards. Michael Carter led the run game and receiving for New York with 11 rushes for 37 yards and eight catches for 67 yards. The Patriots have now won 12 straight games against the Jets. New England will visit the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday at 4 p.m.
