EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A look at the good and the bad from the New York Jets' 17-16 loss to the New England Patriots:

THREE UP

1. Marcus Williams, cornerback: The Houston Texans castoff, an undrafted rookie free agent, continued his surprising season, recording his first career interception. It should've been a game-changer, but the offense failed to capitalize on the short field -- typical. He also had three pass break-ups, equaling his total from his previous six starts. Williams hasn't garnered a lot of publicity, but he has emerged as one of the bright spots in this sorry season. He's their best cornerback. Good for him; it's also a commentary on the other corners.

2. Sheldon Richardson, defensive tackle: Richardson, who compared himself last week to J.J. Watt, played another strong game. He recorded a half-sack, bringing his total to seven, and generated multiple pressures on Tom Brady. The Jets sacked Brady four times and recorded 11 -- count 'em, 11 -- quarterback hits. "We had a feast out there," Richardson said. He's right.

3. David Harris, linebacker: In what may have been his final home game, the free agent-to-be recorded the 1,000th tackle of his career. Said Harris: "I'll think about it after the season. I would've rather had a win." He was credited with 10 total tackles, including a half-sack.

THREE DOWN

1. Geno Smith, quarterback: He was decent for three quarters, but then came the fourth-quarter mistakes. First, there was the interception, a poor and late throw to tight end Jace Amaro. Then came the third-down sack, which turned a makeable field goal attempt into a 52-yarder that was partially blocked. Smith had some positive moments, including a 20-yard scoring strike to Jeff Cumberland, but it wasn't a winning performance. He's 2-10 as the starter.

2. Eric Decker, wide receiver: It was a quiet game for Decker, who had only two catches and four targets. You figured the Jets' receivers would have a tough time against the Patriots' corners, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner -- and they did. Percy Harvin's rib injury -- he didn't play the second half -- hurt the offense. It wasn't a good day for the Deckers. His wife, country singer Jessie James Decker, was supposed to perform at halftime, but she called in sick.

3. The "Fire John Idzik" movement: The anticipated protest, organized by a disgruntled fan group, never became visible in the stadium. They reportedly distributed more than 10,000 "Fire Idzik" penalty flags, but it was hard to pick them out in the crowd. The venomous plot probably was foiled, in part, by the Jets' competitive performance.