Jets-killer Steve Grogan, sidelined for the previous three games, picked apart New York's injury-riddled secondary with four touchdown passes in the first half and the New England Patriots won, 42-20, yesterday.

The Patriots (6-7) tightened the AFC East race by moving to within one game of division-leader Indianapolis (7-6), which fell to Buffalo. New York (6-7) suffered a serious blow to its playoff hopes. Buffalo and Miami also are 7-6.

Grogan, who had been sidelined with neck and shoulder problems, improved his NFL career record to 11-5 against the Jets. He has thrown at least three touchdown passes against them in six different games.

The Patriots led 35-6 at halftime behind Grogan's 11 completions in 16 attempts for 180 yards and no interceptions and his 2-yard touchdown run. The Jets played without injured cornerbacks Russell Carter, Jerry Holmes and Kerry Glenn.

New England led 42-6 before the Jets scored in the fourth quarter on Johnny Hector's 6-yard run and Ken O'Brien's 28-yard pass to Al Toon.

Grogan threw touchdown passes of 28 yards to Stephen Starring, 26 yards to Irving Fryar and 17 and 16 yards to Cedric Jones.