The Patriots set the definition for winning ugly last night, tripping their way to a rain-soaked 13-10 win over the Jets. Still, as players and fans were undoubtedly thinking to themselves when it was all said and done: the optimum word was that they had, in fact, won. Now 2-0, New England also has two important divisional victories that, all too often, prove vital in final division standings if tiebreakers are necessary at the end of the season.

Tom Brady was once again pretty average on the night, though in his effort he had a little help from his young receiving corps, who struggled for large stretches of the night. Aaron Dobson did keep his composure long enough to make a nice touchdown grab though, and the defense finally found its rhythm against a rookie quarterback, as they frustrated the Jets’ Geno Smith to the tune of three interceptions.

Here’s the game in GIFs

Brady and the offense actually got off to a fast start, and it appeared the group (though depleted pretty heavily due to injuries) might cobble together another impressive display. Aaron Dobson caught a 39-yard touchdown pass on a sneaky play-action pass. With three offensive tackles in on the play, New England was able to effectively fool the Jets defense into thinking that they were running.

Geno Smith, in his second NFL start ever, came out looking sharp. However, he was undone by a fumble after a completion on New York’s second drive.

Despite Patriot pressure, Geno continued to play well early, completing this pass to Santonio Holmes.

The theme of the game quickly became apparent, however. While Smith and the Jets offense was not quite capable of mounting a serious threat on offense, Brady and the plethora of inexperienced New England pass-catchers were unable to connect consistently.

GIF courtesy Deadspin

Brady was not happy with his young receivers. And he didn’t hide it.

GIF courtesy Deadspin

One definite positive for Patriots fans was the emergence of Chandler Jones. After a quiet season-opener (where the Patriots actually recorded zero quarterback sacks), Jones keyed a New England pass-rush that had four sacks, and nine quarterback hits on Smith. Jones himself notched two sacks, alleviating early concerns about his improvement in year two (though he still has a lot to prove).

And it ultimately was a game that the defense had to win. Fortunately for Bill Belichick and Patriots fans, the defensive unit proved up to the task. They created pressure when they had to, and forced three critical interceptions.

The final one ended the game, preserving an ugly win for the Patriots, who now move to 2-0 and in sole possession of first place in the division (until this Sunday when the Dolphins have a chance to tie them if they also win).

At the very end, a scuffle broke out after Nick Mangold took exception to Aquib Talib taking his sweet time getting out of bounds. Two Jets were ejected.

GIF courtesy Deadspin

Image via Yahoo