FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots quarterback Billy Zappe and head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Gillette Stadium. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
FOXBOROUGH — If Sunday truly marked Bill Belichick's last game as head coach of the Patriots, his 24-year tenure ended with a snowfall inside Gillette Stadium in front of a half-full crowd in a barely watchable 17-3 loss to the Jets.
It wasn't a fitting way for Belichick to go out, as he lost to the Jets for the first time since 2015, but then again, there's a reason why the head coach's future is in question at all. Belichick has never coached a team with more than 12 losses. The Patriots' 2023 season will end with a 4-13 record, featuring an offense that can't get out of their way and a defense that must put its own points on the board to put victory within reach. .
The Patriots had been anticipating a snowstorm all week, but hours before kickoff, it looked like they might avoid it. Precipitation wasn't clinging to the turf at Gillette Stadium as a wintry mix fell from the sky. But as the game began, the wintry mix turned to snow and began covering the field. It took a leaf blower to remove the marks on the field between events.
The point total, which fell to 29.5 on Saturday night, was a historic low for Sunday's game, and the Jets and Patriots did not disappoint bettors smart enough to take the ball under. Throughout the game, the two teams exchanged punts and field goals.
After four straight punts to start the game, the Jets got the scoring started late in the first quarter when kicker Greg Zuerlein made a 21-yard field goal attempt after quarterback Trevor Siemian helped put together a 10-play, 35-yard drive. Patriots Bryce Barringer's 37-yard leg gave the Jets advantageous field position on New England's 38-yard line.
The Patriots tied the game 3-3 early in the second quarter when rookie kicker Chad Ryland, who has struggled this season, nailed a 30-yard field goal after a 10-play, 50-yard drive. A 33-yard pass from quarterback Billy Zappe — who was backed by Nathan Rourke, not Mac Jones in this game — to wide receiver Jalen Reagor accounted for most of that yardage.
The Jets responded with an eight-play, 56-yard scoring drive on their next possession, culminating with a 40-yard field goal by Zuerlein. After a Patriots three-and-out, the Jets missed a field goal on their next drive. The Patriots finished the half competitively, despite only 21 seconds left in the game. Zabi threw three deep fouls before time ran out.
The second half began with seven consecutive balls. The Patriots finally finished the cycle with a low turnover rate. Facing fourth-and-1 from their own 45-yard line, Zappe threw a play-action pass deep down the right sideline to tight end Pharaoh Brown that was broken up by Jets safety Ashtyn Davis.
That gave the Jets the ball near midfield. An eight-play, 30-yard drive with 4:09 on the clock ended with the Jets extending their lead to 9-3 on a 32-yard field goal from Zuerlein. The Patriots stormed back on their next drive, losing 7 yards in three plays before punting.
The Jets turned the ball over on downs before the madness began on the Patriots' next possession.
Zabi threw an interception to Jets safety Ashtyn Davis, who was stripped by tight end Mike Gesicki on the return. The fumble was recovered by left tackle Federian Lue, who was injured on the play. Two plays later, Zappe was intercepted by Jets safety Tony Adams.
Two plays into the ensuing Jets drive, running back Breece Hall scored on a 50-yard run, followed by a successful two-point attempt.
better
CB Alex Austin: The rookie from Oregon, who was originally drafted by the Bills in the seventh round, has been a revelation. He broke up a deep pass intended for Jets wide receiver Jason Brownlee midway through the second quarter.
RB Ezekiel Elliott: It was very easy to predict that the Patriots would take a hard-nosed approach to this game. However, he averaged 4.2 yards per carry for 55 yards on 13 carries without a rush attempt of more than 9 yards.
LB Mack Wilson: Wilson's three-game sacking streak ended last week. He was back again this week with a sack split with linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley. The fifth-year pro plays a new position this year as an elite defender.
worst
QB Billy ZappeIt is true that the conditions were harsh. But Zappe finished just 12 of 30 for 80 yards with two interceptions.
Bryce Barringer: The rookie caught three punts for 37 yards and a touchback in a disappointing season finale.
Offensive line: The Patriots' blockers left seven sacks for 57 yards to the Jets' pass rush.
