NFL
Pats perfect after undefeated duel

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FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots remained the NFL's gold standard for stability yesterday at Gillette Stadium, showing the New York Jets exactly why they have won 21 straight games and are one of two unbeaten teams in the league.

With their NFL record 18th straight regular-season victory, a 13-7 decision over their AFC East rival, the Patriots broke the mark held by the 1933-34 Chicago Bears. At 6-0, New England is off to the best start in team history.

This was the first meeting of 5-0 or better teams since the 1973 season and only the fourth time that has happened — both factoids of little consequence to the Patriots, along with all those wins in a row. This bunch is trying to make more significant history in becoming the only team in the era of free agency (since 1993) to win three Super Bowls in four seasons, and they insist those are the only numbers that count.

"We're proud of the fact that we're 6-0," said quarterback Tom Brady, whose 62-yard drive in the final 1:49 of the first half ended with a 7-yard touchdown pass to David Patten for the winning points. "But you also realize it's just so tough to win one game."

The Patriots won, as usual, by making two huge plays when the game and the streak were on the line. Trailing 13-7, the Jets moved from their 9-yard line to a first down at the Patriots' 32 with 3:37 left. Two plays later, they were facing third-and-five at the New England 27.

On a draw play, linebacker Willie McGinest knocked Curtis Martin (70 yards on 20 carries) for a 3-yard loss.

"They always tell us to play run first in that situation," said McGinest, whose late-game sack of Colts quarterback Peyton Manning in the opener preserved that victory. "The draw is one of their favorite plays, always, and you have to account for (Martin). He's gashed us before with it."

That tackle set up fourth-and-eight at the 30 with 2:19 left, and Jets coach Herman Edwards never hesitated.

"I told them (his players) in practice there would come a crucial time on fourth down," he said. "I told them that if I call and go for it, are we going to make it? They said, 'Hey, coach, if you call it, we'll make it.' "

Patriots safety Rodney Harrison knocked down Chad Pennington's pass for Wayne Chrebet, the Patriots took over on downs at the New England 30 with 2:14 remaining, and the Jets never touched the ball again.

"Playing New England is very much like playing chess," Martin said. "When two very good people play chess, the one that makes a mistake loses, and that's what happened today."

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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