New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick played a little mental warfare against the New York Jets in Sunday’s (Dec. 31) crucial clash. According to Dianna Russini of ESPN, a source told her that Belichick ordered the field crew to place thermometers inside the Jets tunnel so they would be reminded how cold it was. The regular-season finale at Gillette Stadium was played in single-digit temperatures. Belichick was also spotted during warm-ups just wearing shorts and t-shirt, despite the chilly temperature. Belichick’s move paid dividends, as the Patriots cruised to an easy 26-6 win over the Jets.

The win gave the Patriots (13-3) the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The Patriots also swept the season series with the Jets for the 18th time, as they also won their Week 6 clash, 24-17.

The Pittsburgh Steelers also emerged a 28-24 winner over the Cleveland Browns to finish with an identical 13-3 mark, but the Patriots clinched the top seed due to the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Patriots defeated the Steelers, 27-24, in their regular-season showdown. The Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Kansas City Chiefs will be the second, third and fourth seeds behind New England, respectively.

Tom Brady, Dion Lewis shine

Tom Brady struggled in the cold, completing just 18-of-37 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns for the Patriots, who clinched their seventh 13-win season, good for second all-time behind the San Francisco 49ers, who have nine 13-win seasons.

Brandin Cooks was the top receiver for Brady, catching five passes for 79 yards and a score. Danny Amendola caught four passes for 43 yards while rusher Dion Lewis received six passes for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Brady never targeted tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was double-teamed by the Jets all game.

Lewis also ran 26 times for 133 yards and scored for his second straight game with a rushing and receiving touchdown. New acquisition James Harrison also made an impression with the Patriots, recording five total tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble.

Jets QB struggled in the cold

Jets quarterback Bryce Petty completed 19-of-36 passes for 232 yards with no touchdowns as New York finished its season with a 5-11 mark.

Rusher Bilal Powell ran the ball 13 times for 46 yards while Neal Sterling caught five passes for 74 yards for the Jets, who were 0-of-12 on third down. Kicker Chandler Catanzaro provided the offense for the Jets by making 2-of-3 field goal attempts.
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