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Sunday was the best outcome for the Patriots, but it doesn’t make the feelings around it any easier to stomach

Welcome to the Unconventional Review, an instant reaction to standouts, stats, and story lines from the Patriots’ most recent game . . .

The Patriots’ season-ending 17-3 loss to the Jets was a necessary indignity.

It was. The best thing that could have happened for the Patriots Sunday was to lose the game — even as it meant the end of their 15-game winning streak over the Jets, their own personal Washington Generals — and lock up a top-three draft pick.

But recognizing that as the necessary outcome and celebrating it are two different requests.