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September 9, 2007

FINAL: Patriots 38, Jets 14

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Randy Moss and Tom Brady connected for nine times for 183 yards today.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Patriots did nothing Sunday afternoon to curb the enthusiasm of those who think they're Super Bowl-bound this season.

Opening the season on the road against their biggest division rival, the Patriots employed every one of their offensive weapons, new and old, to perfection as they steamrolled the Jets, 38-14.

New wide receivers Randy Moss (9 catches, 183 yards, 1 touchdown) and Wes Welker (6 catches, 61 yards, 1 touchdown) accounted for 15 of Tom Brady's 22 completions. Returning running back Laurence Moroney ran for 72 yards and newcomer Sammy Morris added 54. Old hands Benjamin Watson and Heath Evans scored TDs on a short pass reception and run, respectively. And Ellis Hobbs tore the heart out of the Jets and their fans with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown -- the longest return in NFL history -- at the start of the second half, turning a 14-7 lead into a 21-7 advantage and turning the momentum irrevocably into New England's favor.

Statistically, the game was just as one-sided as the score. The Pats rolled up 431 total yards to 227 for New York, and had the edge in every category.

There'll be more to come from Shalise Manza Young and Jim Donaldson in New Jersey, and it'll be posted to the site as soon as it arrives. Meanwhile, get the game summary from Projo Stats and vote for the player of the game.

Posted by Art Martone  at 3:56 PM | Permalink