6 winners and losers as Patriots beat Jets

Here’s who caught our attention for better or worse while watching the Week 6 contest live from the Gillette Stadium press box.

QB Drake Maye: The Jets entered Sunday as one of the most aggressive defenses in football, but they smartly pivoted from that game plan by bombing Maye just nine times. Maye showed patience in clean pockets throughout the game, which led to many big plays, such as the 42-yard touchdown to Romeo Doubs and a 9-yard touchdown to DeMario Douglas. It was another overall efficient day at the office for Maye, who added +0.39 EPA per drop.

TE Hunter Henry: The veteran tight end was a steady presence for the Patriots offense on Sunday, recording four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Henry’s score came on a broken coverage on third down while his three other receptions all moved the chains — including a 3rd-and-13 on the Patriots’ final offensive drive in which he made a defender miss. After a slower start to the year, Henry has been his usual self over the last few weeks.

Offensive line: New England lost three starters along the offensive line Sunday, but still didn’t allow a sack of Maye. Rookie Caleb Lomu continued to play well and didn’t allow a pressure in relief of Morgan Moses, while Will Campbell held his own on the opposite side allowing just one pressure. Inside, New England was forced to use four different guards as Matt Pryor and Walter Rouse were called up for the injured Ben Brown and Alijah Vera-Tucker. They were solid in relief, while Jared Wilson continued to be steady in pass protection (a pressure) with all the movement around him.

CB Christian Gonzalez and Charles Woods: Upon his return, Christian Gonzalez made every defensive play and faced star receiver Garrett Wilson for most of the day. In 17 games (12 in man coverage), Gonzales has allowed just two catches for 20 yards on two targets. Charles Woods then earned a game ball for throwing a late interception – the first Geno Smith had thrown all season.

WR AJ Brown: There was a lot of rust for wide receiver AJ Brown upon his return from injured reserve. Brown was targeted a game-high 10 times, but only managed to return three for 27 yards. Maye had two incompletions to Brown while the receiver dropped two passes – including a deep ball down the right sideline – and failed to intercept the final onside kick.

“I didn’t play well. I don’t know – if the timing wasn’t right. I’m a lot better than what I showed today, there’s no excuses. I’ll be better,” Brown said after the game.

In a positive department, Brown created separation throughout the game and played 52 snaps while his ankle felt healthy.