East Rutherford, NJ — Patriots’ rookie QB, Travis Bryan, showed his potential as Tom Brady’s successor during the preseason. It’s only two weeks into the regular season and the coaching staff couldn’t wait until next season to develop him.
Highlights of the Game
The Patriots had a slow start and were down 7-0 after a Geno Smith touchdown to Jeremy Kerley in the first quarter. However, that lead didn’t hold for long as the Patriots were able shift the momentum with a Cordarrelle Patterson 51 yard kick return. The Patriots then went on a frenzied 27-0 run from multiple scoring opportunities to end the first half at a score of 27-7.
During the second half, the Patriots were only able to put up 3 points and many wondered what happened in the locker room at halftime. The Jets were relentless and capitalized on scoring opportunities after sloppy drives by the Patriots that resulted in punts. The Patriots fans in the stadium were silenced after Montee Ball touchdown reception late in the 4th quarter that clipped the Patriots lead. After the Jets were able to successfully convert a two-point play, the score was 22-30, Jets. With 1:34 left in the clock, all the Jets needed was to forced another 3-and-out in order for a chance to tie the game.
Enough was enough and Coach Nguyen pulled his rookie QB aside and was shown visibly upset. After a brief conversation, Bryan nodded his head and carried out the instructions to finish the game. After multiple running plays, the Patriots were able to convert first downs and run the clock out. Thus, interfering in the Jets’ attempt for a comeback.
Player of the Game
The rookie phenom did not disappoint against an elite Jets defense in his regular season debut. Travis Bryan finished the night passing 16/24 for 263 yards and two touchdowns. He also showed off his athleticism by rushing for 21 yards on two carries, which one carry resulted in a 15 yard rushing touchdown.
Post Game Interviews
There were nothing but smiles coming from Bryan during his post game interview.
Being raised and played my collegiate football career here in Boston, Massachusetts… it’s an honor to be representing the Patriots. Tom has been nothing less than a great mentor and a professional for me here. He’s always giving me advice from his perspective so he’s like my third eye! It was a great team win for us though. One major area that I have to improve on is the redzone. Field goals are nice but we need to score touchdowns.
Coach Nguyen was immediately questioned about the sudden change at the QB position.
Again, our decisions are made for the team’s best interests. We want to win another championship so we’re making the adjustments that we believe will help us achieve that goal. Brady won’t be traded, but he will be valued for his knowledge and experience for Bryan. Now with that being said, today was a great victory for the Patriots. I believe that we were great on defense in the first half, but seemed to slow down and got sloppy with our defensive assignments. We’ll have to adjust to that and remember that we are playing against professional football players. Anyone is capable of making a comeback and the Jets were very close.