Cassel, Pats beat Lord Favre and the Jets 19-10

The Tom Brady-less New England Patriots all week had to hear the doubters.  The people thinking now it was the Jets time, with them making wholesale changes in the off season and bringing in Brett Favre.  Well today in Matt Cassel’s first start in almost eight years, he walked into enemy territory and picked up his first win as a professional starter.

The Pats took an early lead after the Jay Feely shanked a field goal on the Jets first drive and were not in danger the rest of the game, as the Pats defense held the Jets in check by confusing Brett Favre and limiting the big play.  The Pats also picked off Favre once, which lead to the Pats only touchdown of the game coming on a Sammy Morris dive over the pile.

The Pats defense was stellar all game long.  The line was getting pressure and Favre spent a good amount of the game rolling out from pressure.  And while they gave up a fourth quarter touchdown, it seemed like the Pats were in constant control, even after the Jets scored a fourth quarter touchdown to cut it to a six point game.

Matt Cassel played the role of caretaker very weel, posting 16/23 with 165 yards.  The running game was led by Lamont Jordan, getting playing time for an injured Laurence Maroney getting 11 carries for  62 yards.  Sammy Morris did have a rushing touchdown but zero yards on eight carries.  Kevin Faulk returned to the Pats and had 7 touches for 66 yards.  Wes Welker was the lead reciever, having 7 catches for 72 yards.  Rodney Harrison led the Pats with 8 tackles, with rookie Jerod Mayo having 7 tackles.  The Pats now prepare for a home date against the Miami Dolphins next weekend.