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Jets Fly Over Patriots 16-9

The clash of division rivals started out sort of interesting, with the Pats leading 3-0 after the first quarter and 9-3 at the half, but then the Jets came alive to win 16-9 in the end.

The first quarter was a battle to see who could be the worst quarterback of the day. Sanchez made a great case, as he was sacked for the first time in his pro career on his first snap for a seven-yard loss (by Mike Wright), and he fumbled the ball on the play, which the Jets recovered for an additional ten-yard loss. Tom Brady answered by throwing an interception later in the quarter, though Randy Moss slowed down on the play in what appeared to be a miscommunication between the two players.

When the dust settled, the Jets had only completed nine plays for zero first downs and all of three yards, and also surrendered their first lost fumble by a running back (Leon Washington) to New England (recovered by Leigh Bodden) since November 17, 1991. Despite starting in a no huddle offense and starting two consecutive drives in Jets territory, New England only mustered a field goal off the turnover after starting their drive from the Jets 17-yard line.

After going only 3/5 in passing attempts in the first half, Sanchez came out swinging, going 11/17 in the second half, including the deciding touchdown on the third play of the second half. The nine-yard pass came following a 43-yard kickoff return, a 45-yard pass, and a two-yard run. The Jets added another two field goals in the half to take a seven point lead that Tom Brady and company couldn’t recover from.

Pats Stud of the Game: Stephen Gostkowski

Gostkowski went 3/3 on field goals, including a good looking 45-yarder to open the scoring. When all nine Pats points came from his foot, he’s the only player that could go here.

Pats Dud of the Game: Tom Brady

Brady went only 23/47 (48.9% completion percentage) on passes and threw an interception. A lack of coordination stopped the Pats from completing large plays that could have resulted in a higher score.

That’s What He Said:

“We’ve got our work cut out for us. They’re a confident team.” – Tom Brady on the Jets before the game. He was right.

Game Notes:

• This was the 100th meeting between the Pats and Jets. The Pats are now 49-50-1 all time against the Jets.
• Starting last season, Stephen Gostkowski is 10/10 in field goals against the Jets, including 7/7 on the road.
• Bill Belichick is now 5-2 in his career against rookie quarterbacks; his only other loss was to Ben Roethlisberger in Week 8 of 2004.
• The last game in which the Pats did not score a touchdown was a 21-0 shutout against the Dolphins in Week 14 of 2006, which was also Brady’s last regular season loss.
• September 11, 2000 was the last time the Jets beat the Pats at home.
• New York last started 2-0 in 2004; New England last failed to start 2-0 in 2005.
• Tom Brady and New England Sunday compiled an uncharacteristic four delay of game penalties, including two in a row.

Tags: Bill Belichick, Mark Sanchez, New York Jets, Patriots, Stephen Gostkowski, Tom Brady