The New York Jets tried their best to erase a 24-point deficit, but their comeback fell short, as the Gang Green lost to the division rival, New England, 24-17.
The Jets' got off to a slow start, allowing the Pats to score a touchdown on the second possession in the first quarter. As the second quarter began, the Patriots extended their lead to 10-0 on a 20-yard field goal. Later in the quarter New England scored again, making the score an embarrassing 17-0.
In the third quarter New England seemingly put the game in the bag after they scored on their first second half possession, 24-0. The Jets got the ball back, and I am sure at that point many fans were wondering if the Jets were to score at all. That's when QB Chad Pennington connected with WR Jerricho Cotchery and the latter scored a 71-yard touchdown. It seemed like Cotchery went down around midfield after being tackled by two New England defenders, but the replay showed that his knee never touched the ground. The Jets quickly got the ball back when on the ensuing New England drive, CB David Barrett made an interception. Eight plays later Pennington connected with WR Laveranues Coles, who broke a few tackles enroute to a 46-yard touchdown, 24-14.
The momentum was definitely on the Jets' side, and on the second play of the 4th quarter the Gang Green forced a fumble inside New England's territory. New York marched down the field but this time the Patriots managed to hold them to only three points, 24-17.
There was still over nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Jets' defense failed to put a so much needed stop, allowing New England to keep the ball for over 8 minutes. The Pats drove inside the Jets' red zone but their field goal attempt was blocked.
The Gang Green received another chance to save this game with 1:05 remaining and no timeouts. Pennnington led the Jets to their 45-yard line, but a long pass down the right sideline to WR Justin McCareins was intercepted.
QB Chad Pennington finished the game 22 of 37 for 306 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT. The running game struggled once again, as the leading rusher RB Kevan Barlow gained only 42 yards on 14 carries. WR Jerricho Cotchery had a career game - 6 receptions, 121 yards, 1 TD. WR Laveranues Coles broke the 100-yard mark for the second time this season. He finished with 6 receptions for 100 yards, 1 TD.
S Kerry Rhodes led the defense with 11 tackles (10 solo), 1 sack and 1 forced fumble. LB Eric Barton had 9 tackles (4 solo), LB Jonathan Vilma had 7 tackles (5 solo). DE/LB Bryan Thomas recorded 4 tackles (3 solo) and recovered a fumble.
P Ben Graham landed four of his five punts inside New England's 20-yard line.
PK Mike Nugent, who missed two field goals and an extra point last week, scored a 42-yard field goal.
Next Sunday the Jets will travel upstate to take on another division rival, the Buffalo Bills. The kickoff time is at 1PM ET.