Brady, Patriots blast Jets early

New England quarterback Tom Brady (right) congratulates receiver Wes Welker (83) after Welker caught a touchdown pass in the first half of the Patriots’ 49-19 victory over the New York Jets on Thursday in East Rutherford, N.J.
New England quarterback Tom Brady (right) congratulates receiver Wes Welker (83) after Welker caught a touchdown pass in the first half of the Patriots’ 49-19 victory over the New York Jets on Thursday in East Rutherford, N.J.

— Tom Brady and the New England Patriots put this game - and the New York Jets’ ugly season - away early.

At least it was competitive for a quarter. By halftime, it was a big-time laugher.

Brady threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score as the Patriots thoroughly embarrassed the Jets with a 35-point second quarter in a 49-19 victory Thursday night.

After a scoreless opening quarter, the Patriots (8-3) went on a touchdown spree despite holding the ball for only 2:14 as they took advantage of several mistakes by Rex Ryan’s hapless Jets (4-7). Their 35 second-quarter points tied for the fourth-most in a quarter in NFL history.

Jets fans were chanting for backup quarterback Tim Tebow to play before the second quarter was over, and booed as the team left the field at halftime.

New England, which beat Indianapolis 59-24 on Sunday, scored four touchdowns in a little more than 6 minutes - including three in a 52-second span - helping Bill Belichick become the eighth coach in NFL history with 200 career victories, including the playoffs.

Julian Edelman returned a fumble for a touchdown and caught a 56-yard pass for a score before leaving with a head injury. Wes Welker and Shane Vereen had touchdown catches, Steve Gregory returned a fumble for a score, and Stevan Ridley ran for a touchdown.

The Patriots improved to 19-0 in the second half of the season since 2010. They were 8-0 that year and last year, and are 3-0 this season after the midway point.

Meanwhile, the Jets allowed their most points since giving up 52 to Miami in the 1995 season opener, and will likely have to win their remaining five games to have an outside chance at the postseason.

New England was without star tight end Rob Gronkowski, out a few weeks after breaking his left forearm in the victory Sunday against Indianapolis.

Brady finished 18 of 28 for 323 yards before leaving with2 minutes left in the game. He reached 3,000 yards passing for the 10th time, becoming one of six players to accomplish the feat. He also passed Dan Fouts for 10th place on the career passing list.

Tight end Aaron Hernandez returned after missing three games with a sprained ankle and had two catches for 36 yards.

New York’s Mark Sanchez was 26 of 36 for 301 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Tebow didn’t play at all - nursing sore ribs that made him questionable for the game - and stood on the sideline with a cap on throughout despite the occasional chants for him to get some snaps.

It looked as though this one might be a close one as both teams missed opportunities to score in the opening quarter, including Stephen Gostkowski being wide left on a 39-yard field goal attempt. The Jets were hoping to boost their playoff hopes and keep some momentum going after a 27-13 victory at St. Louis last Sunday that snapped a three-game skid.

Sports, Pages 27 on 11/23/2012

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