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New England Patriots: Winners and losers Week 6 vs New York Jets

By Kenneth Teape

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 15: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots leads his team onto the field against the New York Jets before their game at MetLife Stadium on October 15, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 15: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots leads his team onto the field against the New York Jets before their game at MetLife Stadium on October 15, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots: Winners and losers Week 6 vs New York Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 15: Strong safety Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots tackles running back Matt Forte #22 of the New York Jets during the second half of their game at MetLife Stadium on October 15, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New England Patriots won 24-17. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Run Defense

The Patriots defense has received a lot of flack this season, and rightfully so. Where they have really struggled was on the ground, defending the run. Kareem Hunt, Mark Ingram, Lamar Miller, Jonathan Stewart and Doug Martin all averaged over four yards per carry against the Patriots.

The run stuffers couldn’t stop a cold, let alone an NFL rushing attack. Luckily for the Patriots, they were able to get on track against the Jets. Now, the Jets didn’t have their best running back, Bilal Powell, available because of injury. However, stopping anyone is a step in the right direction for the Patriots.

With Powell out, the Jets couldn’t get anything going on the ground. Matt Forte returned from injury and led the Jets in rushing, managing only 22 yards on nine carries. Elijah McGuire wasn’t any better, rushing for 22 yards on 10 carries. The most success the Jets found on the ground was from Josh McCown scrambles and a run by wide receiver ArDarius Stewart.

It was an encouraging performance for a Patriots team that has been ripped apart on the ground. It was a solid performance on the ground for the Patriots and a much-needed step in the right direction.

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