Jets Regular Season

Sanchez struggles, officiating does not help

Admin - September 20, 2009

This was a pretty rough half for rookie QB Mark Sanchez, as he was sacked and fumbled on the first play from scrimmage. The second possession wasn't any better - this time it was RB Leon Washington who fumbled the ball, giving the Patriots possession on the Jets' 17-yard line. Although replays showed that Washington was down before the ball came out, the officials ruled this a fumble.

Later in the half the refs continued their questionable calls when LB Bart Scott was penalized for a late hit when replays clearly showed that there was no penalty on the play.

QB Mark Sanchez struggled for the most part of the half, as the Patriots were giving him different looks, confusing the Jets' rookie. The Jets running game finally got going in the 2nd quarter when a few runs by RB Thomas Jones finally moved the Jets inside New England's territory.

The Jets' defense is what has kept the Gang Green in the game thus far, but as the half progressed it seemed like QB Tom Brady began to figure out Rex Ryan's defensive scheme.

CB Lito Sheppard, who made a touchdown saving play in the first half, injured his quadriceps and is questionable to return.