The importance of field position has been evident in the third quarter.
An interception by Brandon Meriweather, last year's first-round draft pick, gave the Patriots possession at the N.Y. 31. Six plays later, Sammy Morris leaped over the line for the game's only touchdown and a 13-3 New England lead.
After Stephen Gostkowski boomed yet another touchback -- his fourth in as many kicks -- the Jets were 3-and-out. When Kevin Faulk returned a short, 38-yard punt by Ben Graham 24 yards to the N.Y. 39, that led to a 28-yard FG by Gostkowski that put the Pats on top, 16-3, with 17 seconds left in the third quarter.
Gostkowski then -- again -- booted his kickoff into the N.Y. end zone for yet another touchback.