The Patriots have tight end Rob Gronkowski in the lineup for the first time this season and they didn’t wait long to look his way.
Gronkowski caught a pass for 12 yards on the Patriots’ fourth offensive play of the game and he then caught a 30-yard pass from Tom Brady to set the Patriots up on the doorstep of the end zone. Brandon Bolden ran the ball in a couple of plays later and the Patriots and Jets are tied 7-7 nine minutes into the first quarter.
The Jets’ touchdown came on a Geno Smith throw to Jeremy Kerley that capped an impressive opening drive for the rookie. Smith and Kerley hooked up for a pair of third down conversions on the way to the end zone and also hit tight end Jeff Cumberland for a big gain on the first play of the game.
New England moved the ball just as easily, though, and a shootout would not seem to be the Jets’ best route to victory.