Patriots-Jets Notebook: Zappe, Offense Can’t Overcome Snow, Turnovers

The New England Patriots once again fell victim to late-game turnovers while dropping their Week 18 season-finale to the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.

While some bask in the picturesque quality of snow-covered Massachusetts skies in winter, the New England Patriots took no solace in the precipitation en route to a 17-3 loss to the New York Jets in their Week 18 season finale at Gillette Stadium.

While playing under the very conditions in which they once thrived, the Pats mustered only 119 net yards of offense with an anemic 2.1 yards average gain per offensive play. In the final analysis, New England’s inability to sustain drives, while victimizing themselves with costly turnovers led to the Pats’ having their 15-game series win streak against the Jets snapped with Sunday’s loss.

Despite the overwhelming attention provided to predicting Belichick’s future in New England, there were a handful of notable takeaways from the team’s 13th loss of the season — the most in a single season under Belichick’s tenure. 

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) is sacked by New York Jets linebacker Bryce Huff (47) in the first half at Gillette Stadium / Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Un-Zappe in the Snow

Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe had a rather rude introduction to New England’s winter weather in Week 18. The Pats’ second-year starter went on to complete 12-of-30 passes for 88 yards. Still, the traction issues Zappe experienced paled in comparison to the hard-hitting Jets defense, which logged seven sacks, totaling 57 yards lost. 

Zappe and the Pats offense appeared to be doomed from the start. They began the day with four consecutive three-and-outs. Their best chance at a scoring drive came in the second quarter, when Zappe found receiver Jalen Reagor for a 33-yard gain. Though a delay-of-game call on the wideout would set the play back five yards, the advancement was more than enough to bring the Pats deep into New York territory.

The Patriots nearly secured six points on a potential acrobatic grab from tight end Mike Gesicki on a Zappe pass into the end zone. However, Jets safety Tony Adams stayed with the play, and knocked the ball loose before Gesicki was ruled for the catch. Patriots rookie kicker Chad Ryland capped the drive with a 30–yard field goal, tying the game at 3. It would be New England’s only score of the afternoon. 

In the final analysis, Zappe’s struggles with putting the ball in harm’s way led to two second-half interceptions — one of which helped set up running back Breece Halls’s 50-yard touchdown run. He also had difficulty reaching his targets on several occasions, falling short of connecting on passes to Gesicki, DeVante Parker and Pharaoh Brown. Though a notable slices of blame pie should be served to both the weather conditions and poor pass protection from the offensive line, Zappe still has significant improvements to make heading into 2024.  

Zeke Ends on a High Note

Despite the dismal output on offense, running back Ezekiel Elliott has a serviceable day as both a rusher and backfield receiver. Elliott carried the ball 13 timed for 54 yards, while  logging five receptions for 24 yards. The veteran’s quintet of catches pushed his season totals to a team-leading 51. It is the second straight season that a running back has led the team in receptions and the 10th time in team history that a running back as led the Patriots in receptions. Last year, Rhamondre Stevenson topped the list with 69 receptions. James White also led the Pats in 2018 with 87 catches.

Though he fell just shy of his needed- 101 total yards to reach 975 on the season (thus triggering a $300,000 contract incentive,) Elliott earned 88 scrimmage yards against the Jets, finishing the season with 955.   

Belichick Era Ends on a Series of Unfortunate Events?

In what may be a fitting microcosm for the Patriots season, a still-winnable game for the Patriots quickly unraveled with just over six minutes remaining in the game. Facing a 9-3 deficit, Zappe was sacked for a 16-yard loss third-and-10 from their own 23 — forcing a punt to give the Jets optimal field position. 

Though the Pats defense held the Jets to a turnover on downs, Zappe was intercepted on the next play by Jets defensive back Ashtyn Davis. In a bizzare turn of events, Davis was stripped of the ball by Mike Gesicki during his run back. The loose football was recovered by left tackle Vederian Lowe, thus giving the ball back to New England. 

Unfortunately, their momentum did not last, with Zappe tossing another interception — this time secured by Jets defender Tony Adams. Jets running back Breece Hall scored on a 50-yard touchdown run for six, while adding two on a successful conversion attempt. Hall had a career-high 37 carries while rushing for 172 yards on the day. With just over a minute remaining in the game, Jets players reveled in making snow angels on their hated rivals home field, while Belichick prepared to walk to the Gillette Stadium tunnels for perhaps the final time. 

And now, we wait …

While the action on the field was a serviceable distraction, the real drama in New England has yet to unfold. Despite choosing to defer answering any questions surrounding his future immediately following the game, Belichick is reportedly set to meet with team owner Robert Kraft on Monday — with an additional media conference almost certain to be held at some point, as well. 

Belichick Retirement Unlikely Despite Potential Patriots Farewell: 'I Still Like Coaching'

In the meantime, the loss will remain a bitter pill for Belichick to swallow. The Patriots’ 4-13 record is the worst in Belichick’s 29-year NFL coaching career. Sunday’s loss also marked defeat No. 178 of Belichick’s career, including the playoffs. The total ties him with former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry for the most ever. It also ties the record of 165 regular-season losses held by Jeff Fisher and Dan Reeves.

---