REPORT CARD SPECIAL TEAMS

OFFENSE

Adam Gase’s final game in charge of the Jets offense looked like a lot of the performances the team has given under him. There were glimpses of something positive overwhelmed by ineptitude. QB Sam Darnold (23 of 34, 266 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 76.3 rating) played efficiently deep into the third quarter before throwing two interceptions. TE Chris Herndon

(7 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD) had his best game of the season. The offensive line gave up three sacks.

DEFENSE

It looked like it was going to be an ugly performance when the Patriots marched down the field on their first drive for a touchdown. But the defense settled down until late in the game, when the Patriots exploited some breakdowns. QB Cam Newton (21 of 30, 242 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 127.4 rating, 11 rushes, 79 yards, 1 reception, 19 yards, 1 receiving TD) did it all for the Patriots. He was not overly impressive throwing the ball but still managed three passing scores and added a fourth on a trick play that was thrown to him.

It was a quiet day on special teams. New kicker Chase McLaughlin made both of his extra-point tries but did not attempt a field goal. Punter Braden Mann averaged 37.4 yards on five punts, pinning one inside the 20. The coverage units did pretty well.

COACHING

Like most of the season, the Jets played hard but did not play very well. Adam Gase’s time with the Jets will be remembered for a lot of losing. Bill Belichick outcoached Gase on Sunday with some second-half adjustments that helped New England take over the game. Could Gase now land on Belichick’s staff?