Jets Week 18 report card: Defense gave Bill Belichick a new Patriots low

Grading the Jets’ 17 3 win over the Patriots on Sunday: It was a tough day for offense with heavy snow and wind throughout the game. The Jets leaned on RB Breece Hall (37 rushes, 178 yards, 1 TD) and he delivered a great performance. There was not much else from the offense. QB Trevor Siemian (8 for 20, 70 yards, 50 QB rating) struggled all day.

He had a 30 yard pass to Garrett Wilson, but that was the longest throw of the day. Grade: C+ The Jets did not allow the Patriots to do anything. They had 119 net yards, the lowest total in Bill Belichick’s time in New England. QB Bailey Zappe (12 for 30, 88 yards, 2 INTs, 20.1 rating) had an awful game.

The Jets sacked Zappe seven times. Quinnen Williams and Bryce Huff had two sacks each. Tony Adams had a key interception late to help ice the game. Grade: A Greg Zuerlein had another terrific game on a tough day to kick. He made three field goals and missed just one. Zuerlein only missed three field goals all season.

Thomas Morstead punted seven times, pinning New England inside the 20 three times. The coverage teams did well, keeping the Patriots from any big returns. Grade: B The Jets could have packed it in. They had nothing to play for over the last month of the season. But they won three of their final five games and finished 7 10, which felt like a long shot after their five game losing streak.

The players are still playing hard for Robert Saleh and he deserves credit for that. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich had a terrific season with very few letdowns from the defense. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett wisely leaned on Hall on Sunday. He did not overthink things. Grade: B+.