With Help From Rain and Pennington, Jets Save Face

The Patriots and Jets didn't have the worst weather in the league Sunday, but they still had plenty to complain about. Rain and wind didn't stay the Patriots from improving to 14-0 with a 20-10 win over the Jets in Foxborough, Mass.. It did help the Jets keep the game close and easily cover the record 27-point spread, for those who care about those things.

Kellen Clemens' early interception, returned for what WEPN's Bob Wischusen described as a "room-service touchdown" by Eugene Wilson, came on a hard end-zone hit by Richard Seymour that knocked Clemens out of the game. With his team in an early hole, Chad Pennington came in and performed admirably, but the Jets' only touchdown came on a blocked punt. Ben Graham followed that up by allowing a punt of his own to be blocked, and a miscue-filled game ensued. Pennington and option quarterback Brad Smith played well in relief, and Eric Mangini may think about shaking things up for the final two games of the season.

Although the rain played a part, the Jets defense helped Tom Brady play his worst game of the season. He threw for 149 yards -- barely completing 50 percent of his attempts -- didn't throw for a touchdown but did have an interception. Maybe the gameplan is why Bill Belichick, in an eagerly awaited postgame handshake with Eric Mangini, said, "Great game, Eric. Great game. Awesome." If both coaches are ready to put the September nonsense behind them, maybe the media can finally move on and pick another storyline to hackney.

Photo of Eric Mangini and Bill Belichick shaking hands by AP/Stephan Savoia