The New England Patriots held on for a 26-19 victory over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
It was a physical game that was hard-fought for the Patriots on both sides of the ball. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was efficient all afternoon, going 18-of-32 passing for 235 yards and three touchdowns.
However, one of the surprise heroes of the game was running back Corey Kiner, who led the ground game with 57 yards on 11 carries. That includes a late fourth-quarter drive where Kiner essentially helped put the game out of reach.
A.J. Brown made his return for the game, but he only caught three passes for 27 yards, while also racking up three drops. It wasn't the best performance from the three-time All-Pro wide receiver by any stretch, but he was clearly dealing with some rust after missing the previous four games.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots did enough to force field goals and the first interception thrown by Jets quarterback Geno Smith.
Here's how fans reacted to Brown and the Patriots' third straight win:
Optimistic after losses, furious after wins is my favorite brand of Patriots football. https://t.co/90Fbtzu0ZE
— Wildes (@kevinwildes) October 18, 2026
Sloppy sloppy football by the patriots outside of Drake Maye and maybe the o line (great pass defense run blocking So so) other than that terrible game felt like the defense played bad and new englands weapons played horrible
— David DeVoy (@davidevoy88) October 18, 2026
Patriots win! 4-2 baby!!! I Love Football!
— Derrick T. Lewis (@TheRealDTLew) October 18, 2026
I don't really know A.J. Brown but it seems that he kinda sucks at holding on to a football. #Patriots
— JHinck (@HinckJon) October 18, 2026
Tough to believe that after watching AJ Brown play today, the Patriots would put him on their "good hands" team for the onside kick. Fortunately, it did not cost New England the game.
— Dan Kelley (@DanKelley66) October 18, 2026
Patriots 26, Jets 19#Patriots#NEPats#NYJvsNE
AJ brown single handidly setting the Patriots back 50 years
— kansas grim reaper (@wholelottashi7) October 18, 2026
By the way, you should not be worried or jump to any conclusions about A.J. Brown after today.
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) October 18, 2026
He’ll bounce back.
This man was on the “hands” team. pic.twitter.com/un8nKkS4JW
— Ryan (@Huskieees26) October 18, 2026
ugly ass win man not pretty at all aj brown u have a ton of work to do man
— bob truck (@TruckBon) October 18, 2026
DRAKE MAYE MASTERCLASS.
— Ghost Aeolus (@Aeolus) October 18, 2026
W.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Twitter reacts to A.J. Brown's drops, Patriots close win over Jets