NFL Week 8: Instant analysis of the Patriots' 25-22 win over the Jets

For head coach Jerod Mayo's team, this would end a losing streak of six minutes.

The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 25-22 on Sunday at Gillette Stadium, where the lead changed hands for the final time in the final seconds.

Here's a first look back at the AFC East rematch before the calendar turns to November and the NFL trade deadline.

When Maye leaves, Brissett struggles to keep the Patriots in business

Drake Maye provided light at the end of the tunnel with losses to the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. But in his third NFL start, the North Carolina product completed three of six passes for 23 yards before heading from the blue medical tent to the locker room. He would not return due to a head injury resulting from a helmet-to-helmet hit by linebacker Jamien Sherwood on a slide in the second quarter.

The rookie quarterback hung in four more times before exiting and was sacked once. By then, he had converted three scrambles into 46 yards and his first rushing touchdown over the right pylon. To break the scrum in the pistol formation, New England's opening drive began at the jumbo 12 and ended after two runs, a downfield throw and a punt. However, the next drive spanned 10 plays, 77 yards and ended in the end zone. That included a third-down conversion to tight end Hunter Henry and a 17-yard quarterback keeper for the early lead.

The Jets soon fell behind 13-7 when Jacoby Brissett filled in under center. The former starter completed 15 of 24 passes for 132 yards as the lead kept changing. He endured tumbles, rough hits on the passer and a fumbled turnover before the game became 17-16 with 7:34 left. The offense then returned to the field with 2:57 left in a 22-17 game. Attempting to move the chains was met with an attempt to do the same. Then came a third-and-10 strike with a 12-play, 70-yard surge to the doorstep of the end zone.

New England's wideouts account for drops and 78 yards

When it comes to wideouts, discussion outweighed production this fall. This mood didn't change on Sunday. At least for the majority of it. The depth chart finished with 78 yards.

Veteran leader Kendrick Bourne was on New England's first snap and ended up uncatched. He scored his first goal late in the third quarter and had another chance late in the fourth quarter. He started alongside Kayshon Boutte, who made over-the-middle drops on second and third downs before finishing 34 yards with 1:29 to play. The LSU sophomore would soon return the favor, leading the Patriots to within a few feet of victory. Meanwhile, slot target DeMario Douglas got the first completion of the afternoon and was held to a dozen yards.

The No. 37 overall pick, Ja'Lynn Polk, remained in the NFL's concussion protocol, but the rest of the depth chart remained active. Fellow rookie Javon Baker served as the kickoff returner. Former starter Tyquan Thornton was also back in uniform and caught two passes, including a tackle through the sticks after a sideline opportunity bounced off his chest plate.

Stevenson surpasses 2023 touchdown performance

The Patriots didn't have a single play on the ground last week in London, managing 38 yards while the No. 3 overall pick under center provided the longest rush.

But in Foxborough, Rhamondre Stevenson fought for an equalizer. He rushed for 48 yards on 20 carries against the Jets, including a touchdown from down the goal line, to give his team a 14-13 lead after halftime. It was his fourth goal of the fall, having scored as many points last December before landing on injured reserve. And it wouldn't be his last. With 22 seconds left in the game, the starting running back hit the football from one yard out, giving the Patriots a 23-22 lead. There was a two-point catch.

A 53-man full-back signing, Lecitus Smith, was recently added along with defender Sidy Sow. And Antonio Gibson threw himself into the backfield for a handful of runs and had a fumble recovered by his center.

Lowe returns to the starting offensive line

Seven different combinations were shown in seven games. On Sunday, New England's offensive line showed signs of repeating itself.

Vederian Lowe returned at left tackle after missing last week with an ankle injury. Next to the blindside protector were Michael Jordan at left guard, Ben Brown at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard and Demontrey Jacobs at right tackle.

A holding penalty followed, wiping out a lead of 39. So did two bags. The takedowns came courtesy of Jets defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Javon Kinlaw. Rookie center back Layden Robinson was left out of the final injury report after missing three straight practices with an ankle injury.

Rodgers sent 14 targets to Adams and Wilson

The last time the Patriots and Jets crossed paths, Aaron Rodgers turned back the clock in prime time. And while the 40-year-old quarterback started Sunday with a three-and-out and burned timeouts, he finished 17 of 28 through the air for 233 yards and touchdowns to tight end Tyler Conklin and slot target Xavier Gipson.

Longtime Pro Bowler Davante Adams and reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson would also be there. The top tandem scored a total of 14 goals. Those targets were 167 yards. There was a questionable call for defensive pass interference and a deflection on the edge of the end zone against Christian Gonzalez while watching New York's trade acquisition in October. His fellow cornerback Marcus Jones was charged with illegal use of hands, pass interference, explosive plays and a trip for six.

Jaylinn Hawkins, who nearly went down with an interception in the third quarter, was given the nod at safety alongside Marte Mapu as defensive captain Kyle Dugger was sidelined with an ankle injury. And in a role change, longtime Jonathan Jones opened up the nickelback role.

Jets land on the ground

Since the September matchup at MetLife Stadium, New England's defense had allowed opponents an average of 167.4 rushing yards per game.

New York wanted to keep the trend going in Foxborough despite ranking 31st in the league in that department. Breece Hall started as a running back with 16 carries for 80 yards. Rookie Braelon Allen managed 12 carries for 32 yards and a touchdown. But at the end of Sunday there was an average of 4.0 and a record of 2-6.

Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, Davon Godchaux, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr. started up front for the Patriots. Jahlani Tavai and Christian Elliss joined them on base with no possession, 3-4. And the latter linebacker completed the defense's only sack on third down in the fourth quarter of a 16-14 game. Sub-rusher Joshua Uche, a name to watch in the Trade Winds, was a healthy inactive before kickoff after playing a season-low 11 snaps last week. The unit would also be without defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale due to an abdominal injury.

Kicking game remains eventful

A week before a 96-yard punt became a touchdown, special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer saw the afternoon begin with a 40-yard punt return.

But the aforementioned Marcus Jones answered for the Patriots after halftime. The former All-Pro accomplished this by breaking off the edge for a 61-yard run back that earned him points.

And while the Jets would miss both an extra point and a field goal on Sunday, kicker Joey Slye went 1-1 on field goals and 2-2 on extra points. That made the difference, as defending champion Bryce Baringer launched a handful of punts for 236 yards, including one shot inside 20 yards.