Matt Cassel passed his first test in replacing the injured Tom Brady, guiding the New England Patriots to a 19-10 win over division rival New York. Jets’ QB Brett Favre threw a costly interception while trying to rally NY late in the game.

Cassel, who hadn’t started at any level since his senior year of high school, was 16-of-23 for 165 yards, Sammy Morris ran for a touchdown and Stephen Gostkowski kicked four field goals.

The Jets and Patriots receiver Randy Moss said New England was still the team to beat even without Brady, who was lost for the season last Sunday when he injured his left knee against Kansas City.

The Patriots (2-0) then showed why, ruining the Jets’ home opener and Favre’s first regular-season home start for New York. New England won its 21st straight regular-season game, and beat the Jets for the eighth straight time at the Meadowlands.

It was easy to get excited about Favre and the Jets after they won their opener, but it was against the Dolphins so maybe we got a little ahead of ourselves. This clearly isn’t the same Patriots team that went 18-0 last year, but at least Cassel looks like he’ll keep them afloat with Brady out. It might be a matter of time before things start to crumble, but for right now New England is still the team to beat in the AFC East. (Although Buffalo looks damn good after two weeks, too.)