Pats defense, Belichick respond with victory after Colts meltdown

The New England Patriots defense forced five turnovers in a 31-14 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday at Gillete Stadium.

Many felt that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn’t have faith in his defense to stop Peyton Manning in the final minutes of their loss to the Colts the previous week.

What a difference a week makes. The New England defense intercepted Jets quarterback four times, and forced three turnovers in the fourth quarter as they improved to 7-3 on the season. Of course it’s a lot easier when you’re playing a rookie quarterback then playing Peyton Manning.

The Patriots defense made a statement early as Leigh Bodden picked off Sanchez and returned it for a 53-yard touchdown, giving New England a 7-0 lead. "There was a lot of emotion from last week, not finishing the game," Bodden said. "We definitely wanted to finish this game." Later in the first, Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss for a four-yard touchdown.

New England added 10 more points in the second quarter, coming on a 2-yard touchdown run by Laurence Maroney and Stephen Gostkowski made a 26-yard field goal, giving the Patriots a 24-0 lead. With New England punting right before half, the Jets special teams blocked the attempt and Brad Smith recovered it for the Jets first score of the game, as they trailed 24-7 at halftime.

New York would push a little closer as Jerricho Cotchery caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Sanchez, as the Jets now trailed 24-14.

The Patriots defense continued to dominate New York in the fourth quarter as they forced three turnovers. Laurence Maroney added another score for New England on a one-yard touchdown.

Belichick and his defense will have another opportunity to make a statement as New England will take on Drew Brees and the No. 1 offense at 7 p.m. ET Monday at the Louisiana Superdome.

[Information from ESPN.com was use in this report]