Patriots vs. Jets Week 16 Recap: Studs, Duds & What We Learned

Once again (for the second time this season), the Patriots-Jets game was much closer than it should've been, particularly when taking into account both teams' records. Nevertheless, the Patriots were able to pull off a 17-16 victory on the road and secure a first-round bye for the fifth consecutive season. 

Here are some of the studs and duds from Sunday's game: 

STUDS

1. Jamie Collins: 

The 2nd year Patriot continued his streak of excellent play on Sunday, as he recorded a game-changing interception as well as a tackle for loss. 

2. Danny Amendola 

A rather disappointing player up to this point in the season, Amendola played well in Julian Edelman's absence, as he had 8 receptions for 63 yards. He also played a major role in special teams, particularly as a punt returner, as his 39-yard punt return gave the Patriots' offense a short field and led to one of the Patriots' two touchdowns.  

3. Vince Wilfork 

In addition to blocking Nick Folk's go-ahead field goal attempt on the NY Jets' final play of the fourth quarter, Wilfork once again wreaked havoc in the run game, as the Jets' amassed just 3.6 yards per carry. 

4. Dont'a Hightower

Like Jamie Collins, Hightower has been fantastic this season, and it was especially evident on Sunday. His signature play came in the fourth quarter, when he sacked NY Jets QB Geno Smith on third down. That play played a factor in the missed field goal by Nick Folk on the ensuing down. 

DUDS

1. Offensive Line 

For the third time in four games, this unit was absolutely manhandled. Tom Brady got harassed a lot as result in that game, as he got sacked 4 times and hit on several other occasions. If this unit continues to play like it did on Sunday, the Patriots most likely will not go very far in the playoffs. 

2. Pass rush

While the Patriots were able to get pressure at key moments of the game, the defense largely failed to get pressure on Geno Smith. Hopefully the pass rush will be more prevalent against the Buffalo Bills, who have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL this season. 

3. Malcolm Butler 

The rookie cornerback falls on this list because he stupidly committed contact on a fair catch by NY Jets' punt returner Jeremy Kerley. It was a completely boneheaded play on Butler's part. 

4. Patrick Chung 

The sixth-year player has been a pleasant surprise this season, but yesterday was not a good performance on his part. In addition to giving up 60 receiving yards, Chung lost track of Jets' TE Jeff Cumberland on his 20-yard TD reception.