NFL

Jets Blitz: Talib is Patriots hero

HERO

It turns out the Patriots’ best pass catcher was cornerback Aqib Talib. While New England’s receiving corps was driving Tom Brady bonkers with its drops and misplays, Talib was intercepting Geno Smith twice to preserve a Patriots victory on a night when their offense was awful.

UNSUNG HERO

Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones, a Syracuse product, was a matchup nightmare for the Jets’ offensive line, sacking Smith twice and looking like the dominant young player many around the NFL think he is.

ZERO

Geno Smith didn’t get much help from his receivers or the play-calling of offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, but his three fourth-quarter interceptions cost the Jets the game. Smith has shown promise, but he’s forcing too many throws when he’s not holding onto the ball too long.

KEY STAT

20: punts (nine by the Jets, 11 by the Patriots) in one seriously ugly night of football.