Tom Brady warms up prior to facing the New York Jets. AP WIREPHOTO
New England played it safe in the final two weeks of the regular season a year ago, and it might have cost them a trip to the Super Bowl.
But Saturday’s dominating 41-3 win over the Jets put the AFC on notice that the Patriots aren’t in cruise control this time around.
Tom Brady did what he has done so many times during his career, throwing three touchdowns in three quarters of work to add to his growing MVP candidacy.
He said he has no plans of taking it easy in next week’s regular-season finale at Miami.
“No, we are pretty focused on this week,” Brady said. “It was just a quick six games before these last two games and the schedule has been pretty tough. We have eight days before we play Miami, but I expect to go out there and try to be at my best.”
This latest win wasn’t just all about Brady, though.
The defense also put together its second straight signature performance. It forced four Jets turnovers and allowed just eight completions by New York quarterbacks Bryce Petty and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
For the season, the Patriots defense has forced 21 turnovers.
“Once you start doing things week in and week out, you start to conquer teams,” said cornerback Malcolm Butler, who had two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
INJURY PLAGUE
It’s no secret that injuries have ravaged the Jets. Cornerback Darrelle Revis acknowledged that they have been tough to overcome, but said the bigger issue has been keeping the healthy people on the same page.
“We’ve got … 15 guys, maybe, on (injured reserve). It’s just been tough,” Revis said. “Guys are not executing and they’re not doing what they’re supposed to do, (which is) follow the game plan.”
He said it’s not been an isolated issue.
“That’s been happening all year, though. It’s just been a struggle for us. It is what it is at this point. We’ve got one more game left and hopefully we’ll try to get a win and go into the offseason.”
SLEEPY FLOYD
Michael Floyd caught his first pass since the Patriots claimed him from Arizona following a DUI arrest in which he was found asleep behind the wheel of his SUV with a blood-alcohol content of .217 percent.
“It feels great,” said Floyd, who had one reception for 6 yards. “The capabilities and goals that they have on this team is great and I’m happy I’m on this team and can contribute whenever I can.”
Floyd was arrested Dec. 12 in Scottsdale, Arizona, with what police said was a blood-alcohol level almost three times the legal limit. He also had three alcohol-related incidents involving police when he was in college at Notre Dame, including a DUI arrest.
After the Patriots claimed him, they brought him to Denver to stand on the sideline but did not activate him for the game against the Broncos.
“I have a lot of confidence in him,” Brady said. “And hopefully he can add something.”
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