Patriots outside linebacker Dont'a Hightower sacked Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in the first quarter.

Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman returned a fumbled kickoff return for a touchdown against the Jets in the second quarter.

Edelman was greeted by (left to right) Visanthe Shiancoe, Aaron Hernandez, and Wes Welker after a touchdown.

“You just can’t take anything for granted against this team,” Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said before the game.

Jets defensive lineman Muhammed Wilkerson forced Brady into an intentional grounding early in the first quarter.

Patriots strong safety Steve Gregory intercepted a pass and had two fumble recoveries in the first half.

Brady completed a touchdown pass.

Patriots running back Danny Woodhead was part of a strong first-half running game.

No Jets player was within 10 feet of Patriots running back Shane Vereen as caught a pass from Brady and ran it in for a touchdown.

Gregory (right) celebrated with safety Devin McCourty after intercepting a pass from Sanchez in the second quarter.

Julian Edelman returned a fumbled kick off for a touchdown.

Brady, Gregory, and Vince Wilfork joined television broadcaster Michele Tafoya for a Thanksgiving tradition of eating turkey legs after the game.