It was over when ...
Stephen Gostkowski's 34-yard field goal gave the Patriots a 10-point lead with 3:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Jets moved the ball on the subsequent drive, but Mike Nugent missed a 35-yard field goal attempt that would have brought the Jets within a touchdown.
Game balls
With the wind swirling around Gillette Stadium, the Patriots were forced to rely more on their running game. That translated into a career-high 26 carries for Laurence Maroney, who finished with a season-high 104 yards and a touchdown. On defense, safety Eugene Wilson returned a Kellen Clemens interception 5 yards for a touchdown and later recovered a Chris Baker fumble.
Key stat
Windy conditions made it difficult for both teams' passing games. Brady, averaging 315 yards per game, threw a season-low 140 yards on 14-of-27 passing and did not throw a touchdown pass. The Jets didn't fair much better, going a combined 25-of-40 for 186 yards and no touchdowns between Kellen Clemens, Chad Pennington and Brad Smith.
Noteworthy
Clemens, the Jets' starting QB, injured his ribs on New York's opening drive, taking a hit from DE Richard Seymour while throwing the pick-six to Wilson. Clemens did not return. ... The Patriots joined the 1972 Dolphins to become just the second team to go 14-0. ... The Jets' only touchdown came on a blocked punt in the second quarter. David Bowens recovered the ball and ran it into the end zone. The Patriots later returned the favor, blocking a Ben Graham punt and recovering it at the Jets' 3-yard line to set up a 1-yard Maroney TD run. ... Brady's interception was his first at home since Week 2. ... The game was momentarily suspended in the fourth quarter due to snow balls being thrown onto the field.
