After the game, Jones, who ended up with three interceptions and completed just 15 of 31 passes, looked as if he was still expecting another Patriots lineman to jump into his field of vision, or another New England defensive back to leap unexpectedly in front of one his passes. Things were out of hand for a little while.

Asked if the game’s environment — all Giants-Patriots games now seem to carry import — coupled with the intricate strategies of the devious Belichick had been a little overwhelming, Jones calmly answered, “I don’t think it was overwhelming, I think it was just bad plays, bad decisions.”

As if the former, recognized or not, does not naturally lead to the latter.

Given the history between the teams, the matchup held plenty of intrigue, and there was an unusual exchange at the game’s conclusion when Brady first approached Manning for a handshake and smile at midfield. They paused for a beat and each knowingly nodded, an acknowledgment that it was a scene that would never again be recreated.

Then Brady found Jones. Their greeting was equally amiable, but not surprisingly, fleeting. It, too, may never be recreated in a regular-season or postseason game.

If Brady and Jones appeared headed in different directions, it was because they almost certainly are — for this season at least. But fans of each team ought to be heartened by what they saw Thursday night.

Brady was banged around in the pocket — it was a Giants game after all — and he was knocked out of rhythm for extended periods, especially early. But his poise and wealth of experience served him well, as it has for decades.