Patriots overwhelm Jets 49-19

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Tom Brady and the New England Patriots put this game – and the New York Jets’ ugly season – away early.

At least it was competitive for a quarter. By halftime, it was a big-time laugher.

Brady threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score as the Patriots thoroughly embarrassed the Jets with a 35-point second quarter in a 49-19 NFL victory Thursday night.

After a scoreless opening quarter, the Patriots (8-3) went on a touchdown spree despite holding the ball for only 2:14 as they took advantage of several mistakes by Rex Ryan’s hapless Jets (4-7). Their 35 second-quarter points tied for the fourth-most in a quarter in NFL history.

Fans were chanting for Tim Tebow –who was active, but nursing two broken ribs suffered against the Seahawks – to play before the second quarter of this Thanksgiving showdown was over.

New England, which beat Indianapolis 59-24 on Sunday, scored four touchdowns in just over 6 minutes – including three in a jaw-dropping 52-second span – helping Bill Belichick become the eighth coach in NFL history with 200 career victories, including the playoffs.

Julian Edelman returned a fumble for a touchdown on a kickoff return and caught a 56-yard pass for a score before leaving with a head injury. Wes Welker and Shane Vereen had touchdown catches, Steve Gregory returned a fumble for a score, and Stevan Ridley ran for a touchdown.

The Patriots improved to 19-0 in the second half of the season since 2010.