EAST RUTHERFORD, NY — Eight months ago, the Patriots complemented an efficient offense with a game-changing big play, ending the Jets season in the first round of the playoffs.

Unlike Asante Samuel’s interception and return for a touchdown in January’s wild card victory, defensive back Ellis Hobbs did not score the game-clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter. Instead, the cornerback quieted the Giants Stadium crowd when he returned the second half’s opening kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown, putting the Jets down 14 points en route to a dismal 38-14 season-opening loss at the Meadowlands.

The Jets weren’t playing an elimination game, but their season could be in trouble quickly after surrendering 21 consecutive points. A tough road test against the Ravens awaits next Sunday, a challenge that gets increasingly harder thanks to the iffy status of their starting quarterback.

Chad Pennington conjured frightful memories of Vinny Testaverde’s season-ending injury in Game 1 eight years ago when he hobbled off the field with a right ankle injury at the third quarter’s 10:20 mark. Jarvis Green brought him down, grabbing his feet and twisting the passer’s legs during a sack.

Pennington made it to the sideline under his own power amid groans and eve some cheers from the 77,900 in attendance. He was forced to hop on his left leg before the training staff reached him, an injury that might have hurt more when the fans applauded for his replacement.

Pennington fired his helmet to the ground in disgust before backup Kellen Clemens replaced him to the loud ovation. Pennington returned for the next offensive series and stayed in until Clemens re-entered with six minutes remaining and the contest out of reach.

“I really never had a lower leg injury before, so I was just trying to walk it off. I’m not going to lay there, I know that,” said Pennington, who said he would not confirm if the injury was to his leg or ankle. He also said he was unsure about suiting up against Baltimore. “I am sure I will see the doctors frequently this week and we’ll see what happens.”

By the time the Jets’ offensive co-captain returned, the game was out of reach. Tom Brady torched the Jet defense for 297 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions on 22-28 passing. The three-time Super Bowl champion completed 11 straight throws at one point, contributing to his 146.6 quarterback rating.

“We had them in a lot of third downs,” said linebacker Jonathan Vilma, referring to New England’s 6-9 third-down conversion rate. “On third-and-nine we gave up 11 yards. On third-and-10 they hit us for a big one. On second-and-long they hit us for a long bomb.”

New England coach Bill Belichick’s decision to acquire Randy Moss was validated after the former Pro Bowl netted nine receptions and 183 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown strike against triple coverage, to build a three-touchdown edge.

Moss, who was obtained from Oakland for a late-round draft pick and did not play in the preseason, raced behind David Barrett, Erik Coleman and Vilma near the left sideline, making a catch near the 5-yard line and tiptoed past the goal line, taunting the fans sitting behind the Patriots’ sideline.

“I read the defense, the corner was down and the safety was back to the right so I came all the way across the field,” Moss said. “Tommy had faith in me, believed in me and we had good protection. Everything we did today was very well executed. The coaches got us prepared all week and we went out and made it happen.”

It was the second large-scale coverage breakdown of the afternoon. Ellis tied a franchise record with his return. Mike Nugent lifted his kick eight yards deep into the left corner of the end zone. Ellis made the risky decision to forgo the touchback, which worked out when he cut to the middle and found a crease near his own 20-yard line. From there, he jetted down his own sideline until he found the end zone 16 seconds into the half.

“It’s difficult anytime you give up a big play, but it was the start of the second half,” coach Eric Mangini said. “If you are going to give up a big play, you have a lot time left at that point to recover from that play, to create drives and do things.”

With starter corner Andre Dyson injured, Brady picked capitalized on the overmatched Justin Miller against Moss. David Barrett and rookie Darrelle Revis also struggled when covering Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth. Even tight end Benjamin Watson found seams in the secondary, catching a five-yard touchdown strike in the final minute of the first half.

“Nobody wants to lose the first game. This was a big game for us, opening day or not,” said Revis, who became the first Jet corner to start in his professional game since Ray Mickens in 1996. “Their playmakers came out and made big plays. Brady is the mastermind on offense. He did his job well today.”

New England, who entered as one of the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, limited Thomas Jones to just 42 yards, with all but two of that total coming in the second half against a pass-conscious defense. Laveranues Coles accounted for most of the offensive production, catching both of the touchdowns. His biggest grab came midway though the second, connecting with Pennington on a seven-yard strike to tie it at 7. That would be the last time the Patriots trailed.

Added Coles: “As players we have to look at ourselves individually and ask, ‘did you play the best game that you could play today? Did you man up or did you get whooped?’ That’s one of the main things. We had one of the better game plans that I’ve had in a long time around here.”

Pennington ran for three yards in the first half, making him the second-leading rusher. Thomas Jones could only manage two yards on six carries for a .03 average, falling to get the ground game functioning despite the Patriots missing injured defensive end Richard Seymour.

“It’s frustrating when you can’t get into the open field and do what you do, but I play with a lot of emotion when I’m out there,” Jones said. “I felt like I ran hard. Unfortunately, we were behind and didn’t get a chance to run the ball as much as we could have, but we just have to forget about this loss move onto the next week against Baltimore.”

Notes: Pennington became the fifth quarterback in team history to throw for over 12,000 career yards. He reached the milestone on Cotchery’s second-quarter reception with 11:42 remaining. He trails Vinny Testaverde (12,357 yards) for the fourth position.

Rookie Jacob Bender was expected to compete for the starting right guard spot following Pete Kendall’s trade to Washington. Bender was not active for the game. Adrien Clarke started in his place, contributing to an offensive line New England abused for five sacks.

Clemens (5-of-10; 35 yards) completed the first pass of his NFL career when he connected with Jones in the third quarter.