By the numbers: Jets-Patriots

Published: January 16th, 2011 | Tags: AFC Divisional Playoffs, Bill Belichick, Mark Sanchez, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Rex Ryan, Tom Brady

Here are some numbers from the Jets’ 28-21 win over the Patriots in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, courtesy of the NFL research desk:

The Jets will make their fourth AFC Championship appearance since 1970, but it’s the first time they’ve reached the AFC Championship in back-to-back seasons.The Jets are the second team to defeat teams led by Peyton Manning and Tom Brady as the starters in back-to-back games, joining the 2002 Titans, who did it in Weeks 14-15 that season.Rex Ryan becomes the fifth head coach in Super Bowl era to reach a Conference Championship in each of first two seasons. The last to do it was Barry Switzer in 1994-95. Ryan improved to 4-1 career in the playoffs, and all of his wins were on the road.Mark Sanchez joins  Ben Roethlisberger as the only QBs in NFL history to reach a Conference Championship in each of his first two seasons. Sanchez tied a Jets franchise playoff record with three TD passes (Joe Namath, Pat Ryan, Vinny Testaverde and Chad Pennington).The Patriots have lost three straight playoff games for first time under Bill Belichick, and have now lost two straight home playoff games for the first time in franchise history.Here’s a glance at how rare a home loss is for the Patriots, especially in the playoffs. The Patriots are 11-3 all-time at home in the playoffs and 35-5 in the last 40 home games, including playoffs. Tom Brady is 14-5 career in the playoffs (tied for second-most wins in NFL history) and is 70-12 career at home as the starter, with wins in 31 of his last 33 home starts, including playoffs.Under pressure: Brady was sacked five times, the most since Super Bowl XLII, when he was sacked five times by the Giants, the only other playoff game he’s been sacked as many times. It was just the sixth time in his career Brady has been sacked five or more times, including the playoffs.Posted in: NFL Network  

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Halftime notes: Jets-Patriots

Published: January 16th, 2011 | Tags: AFC Divisional Playoffs, Brad Smith, Braylon Edwards, Darrelle Revis, David Harris, Deion Branch, Drew Coleman, Gary Guyton, LaDainian Tomlinson, Mark Sanchez, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Rex Ryan, Tom Brady

A few nuggets at halftime of the Jets-Patriots divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium:

The Jets have had success getting to Tom Brady. Shaun Ellis has two sacks, and Drew Coleman a third on Brady off a corner blitz.Brady threw his first interception in 340 attempts when he floated a screen pass that landed in the arms of David Harris.Mark Sanchez struggled with his accuracy early, but showed great patience on a picture-perfect 37-yard completion to Braylon Edwards that set up LaDainian Tomlinson’s touchdown.Great execution by the Jets on Tomlinson’s 7-yard touchdown reception. Patriots LB Gary Guyton was caught up in the wash of the bunch formation and couldn’t get to Tomlinson in the flat in time.Not so great execution by the Patriots on the botched fake punt attempt. Patrick Chung’s fumble left Rex Ryan with a big smile on the sideline and gave the Jets a short field that led to Edwards’ 15-yard touchdown.With WR/KR Brad Smith out due to injury, the Jets tried Tomlinson in the Wildcat formation. Tomlinson fumbled the snap but recovered for no gain. The Jets didn’t go back to the formation.You don’t see this everyday: Watch Brady’s left glove on this handoff to BenJarvus Green-Ellis.Revis Island update: Darrelle Revis has been matched up on Deion Branch, who has no receptions.Offense was tough to come by during the second quarter for the Patriots. In the first three series they went three-and-out twice and didn’t gain a first down until a quarterback sneak just before the two-minute warning. They ended up taking a knee to end the half on the fourth series.Posted in: News  

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