Defense leads the way to victory.

The New England Patriots officially kicked off their run to another AFC East Division title by defeating the New York Jets 19-10. The win in week two brings the Patriots record to 2-0 and 1-0 within their division so far in this early season. The Patriots defense lead the way to victory with superb play and pressure on the Jets and Brett Favre.

The Patriots defense did exactly what was needed yesterday to help take the pressure of their young quarterback Matt Cassel. Everyone knows that if you can pressure Brett Favre you force him to try and make something out of nothing. That’s exactly what happened on several occasions yesterday with the defense applying pressure early and often. The first big mistake came early in the 3rd quarter when the Patriots line-backers applied pressure to Favre and forced him to make a bad throw. The result, a Brandon Meriweather interception. Meriweather’s interception helped set up the only offensive touchdown on the day for the Patriots.

The talk all over the country this past week was how the Patriots were  going to compete without injured quarterback Tom Brady. In my opinion they answered some of the questions and concerns regarding the team on Sunday. The offense had several key players step up their game, taking pressure off of Cassel allowing him to gain his confidence. Key offensive players were Wes Welker, Kevin Faulk, LaMont Jordan and Sammy Morris. Welker started the game off fast and furious by having the majority of his 7 catches in the first few offensive series. Welker and Faulk with their early contributions helped set up the Pats first two scores of the day. Field goals of 21 and 37 yards by kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

After Meriweather’s interception, Sammy Morris capped off a 6 play drive with a 1 yard touchdown leap over the Jets defenders. The key offensive play a big Cassel to Faulk 22 yard reception that brought the Pats down to the Jets 8 yard line. Morris’s touchdown gave the Pats a 13-3 lead midway through the 3rd. The rest of the offensive scores were provided by Gostkowski with field goals of 28 and 27 yards.

The defense was the major factor throughout the entire game. The only two times they were really beaten all game came on a  Farve to Laveranues Coles 54 yard catch and run at the start of the second quarter and on the Jets only touchdown of the game, a 2 yard touchdown pass to Chansi Stuckey. If you ask me the play still should of had a flag thrown for the illegal pick Coles placed on safety Rodney Harrison in the end-zone.

The cap to the entire game of great defensive play and pressure, came when  linebacker Adalius Thomas had his massive sack and take down of not only Brett Favre but also running back Leon Washington. A 20 yard loss that sealed the game and the victory for the Patriots.

The Patriots had a great game on all sides of the ball. 2-0 is a solid start to the season.

The Patriots now must turn their attention to another division rival. Coming to OUR house, the Miami Dolphins arrive ready and primed to try and end our 22 consecutive regular season game streak, that we now enjoy. The Dolphins haven’t looked impressive at all, starting this season, especially after the 31-10 trashing they took at the hands off the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Remember this is the NFL and anything is possible just ask the Giants. I’m sure coach Bill Belichick will have our team ready to go next Sunday when we take the field against the lifeless fins.