BY NICK ST. DENIS
The New York Jets' relentless defense had quarterback Tom Brady hooting and hollering after most plays Thursday night.
The New England Patriots' receivers only made Brady's bark louder.
The Patriots held off the division-rival Jets in a 13-10 victory, but their receivers gave Brady little help. When New England's pass catchers were in position to make a play, which wasn't often, they habitually dropped the ball. It was a trend the Jets' receivers were more than willing to help along, too.
But while Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith kept a relatively steady demeanor throughout, Brady looked as out of sorts as ever.
"I think I have to do a better job with my body language," Brady said after the game. "I definitely can improve that. I wouldn't say it's a real strong point of mine right now. We'll just try to keep doing better. That's what we've got to do."
The Patriots converted on just four of 18 third-down attempts, but Brady did throw a touchdown pass early while protecting the football throughout. Smith, meanwhile, looked OK until the fourth quarter, when he threw three interceptions.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick doesn't question the way his future Hall-of-Fame quarterback expresses himself.
"I don’t know," Belichick said after the game. "I think Tom is probably the best leader I’ve ever been around so I wouldn’t be too critical of him."
If Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski don't return soon, expect to see Brady throw his hands up in disgust and raise his voice on the sidelines plenty more.
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