“How did the great Joe Burrow lose against those Patriots in Week 1?” This question by a fan captures the NFL’s collective wonder after seeing the Patriots’ defense against Jets today!

Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals fell to the New England Patriots 10-3 in Week 1. The same Patriots team crumbled against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets today on Thursday Night Football. It’s a plot twist worthy of M. Night Shyamalan. Fans couldn’t believe their eyes, flooding social media with reactions: “This Patriots defense shut down Joe Burrow,” “Patriots held Joe Burrow to 10 in week 1,” and “How did Bengals offense struggle vs this Patriots defense again? Sheeeesh.”

Burrow, often hailed as the NFL’s golden boy, looked more like a deer in headlights against New England. The Patriots’ defense, led by the iron men Ja’Whaun Bentley, Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, and rookie Christian Gonzalez, held Burrow to a paltry 164 passing yards. To put that in perspective, that’s about as much yardage as a toddler covers in a grocery store.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo couldn’t contain his pride post-game. “They came out on fire,” he gushed about his defense. “Everyone was talking about Cincinnati’s offense and how explosive they are. And they answered the call… It was a total unit.” Mayo’s words paint a picture of a defense that didn’t just show up – they came to party.

The Patriots’ defensive masterclass wasn’t just about raw talent. It was a chess match, and Burrow found himself in checkmate. New defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington’s strategy was as cool as the other side of the pillow. He sent just four rushers on 77% of drop backs and played 60% zone coverage. It was like watching a cat toy with a mouse before the final pounce.

Jets take flight while Patriots crash land

Fast forward to Thursday Night Football, and it’s a whole new ball game. The Jets, led by the ageless wonder Aaron Rodgers, carved up the Patriots’ defense like a Thanksgiving turkey. Rodgers, showing more zip than an energy drink commercial, completed 15 of 20 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone.

The contrast couldn’t be starker. Burrow, the young gun, got outplayed by Jacoby Brissett. Rodgers, the old hand, made the Patriots’ defense look like a high school JV squad. It’s enough to make you wonder if there was a Freaky Friday-style body swap between the two quarterbacks.

As one fan put it, “Patriots are unwatchable until Maye starts. Joe Burrow lost to this…” The sentiment captures the disbelief and frustration of both Patriots and Bengals fans. It’s a reminder that in the NFL, yesterday’s hero can quickly become today’s punchline.

The Jets’ dominance wasn’t just about Rodgers, though. Their defense stepped up, making the Patriots’ offense look about as effective as a screen door on a submarine. It’s a far cry from the days when Bill Belichick’s Patriots owned the Jets, going 37-11 against them since 2000.

The third quarter saw the Jets extend their lead and truly cement their dominance. In a play that showcased both Rodgers’ precision and the Jets’ offensive firepower, the 40-year-old quarterback connected with Garrett Wilson on an impressive 2-yard touchdown. Rodgers threaded the needle, putting the ball just high enough for Wilson to jump, make the grab, and get his feet down before going out of bounds. Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez tried to undercut the route for a pick-six, but Rodgers’ placement was impeccable. This score pushed the Jets’ lead to 21-3, leaving the Patriots in a deep hole they couldn’t climb out of.

This tale of two games serves as a stark reminder of the NFL’s unpredictability. One week you’re Joe Cool, the next you’re Joe Who? As for the Jets and Patriots, their rivalry has entered a new chapter. And if Thursday night was any indication, it’s the Jets who are now writing the story.

In the end, these early-season twists remind us why we love the NFL. It’s a league where the impossible becomes possible, where underdogs can become top dogs overnight, and where even the mightiest can fall.