Though many things have changed amongst the Jets in this hopeful year, they couldn’t break their dire streak against the Patriots
The more things change for both the New York Jets and New England Patriots, the more they, alas for the former, stay the same.
Former Jets kicker Nick Folk was the literal scoring difference while current green quarterback Zach Wilson was forced into three interceptions, allowing the New England Patriots to earn their 13th consecutive victory in the long-standing AFC East matchup by a 22-17 final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
After the team exchanged field goals in the early stages of the first half, New York seemed well on pace to end its bad fortune against the Patriots in the early going: they responded to Folk’s first field goal with an eight-yard hook-up between Zach Wilson and Tyler Conklin.
A ROPE from @ZachWilson to @T_Conk1 for the TD#NEvsNYJ on CBS pic.twitter.com/IJz78u0WnQ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 30, 2022
An opportunity to build on the lead lingered when Michael Carter II intercepted Mac Jones pass intended for Kendrick Bourne, one caused by pressure from Bryce Huff. Alas, only a three-and-out awaited on the other side, though they maintained a 10-3 lead.
Bryce Huff disrupts the throw, & Michael Carter II makes the pick❗️
Bryce Huff has been majorly disruptive all season since he’s been activated. He needs to be extended. He needs to stay on the #Jets
pic.twitter.com/5DSAC16Nil— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) October 30, 2022
Undeterred, the Jets made a huge stop on fourth down on the Patriots’ next possession, stopping them at the cusp of the red zone. The Jets didn’t capitalize, though, as Wilson’s floater over the hands of Ty Johnson instead went to Ja’Whaun Bentley. Carter nearly had a second interception go the distance, but his pick-six was erased by a roughing the passer call charged to John Franklin-Myers. New England earned another Folk field goal when all was said and done, creating a 10-6 halftime ledger.
Nueva vida. Ja'Whaun Bentley, un líder de equipo logra la intercepción. pic.twitter.com/ieLSx56c0R
— Patriots Fans Costa Rica (@alepowan) October 30, 2022
Perhaps energized by the second wind that Franklin-Myers’ folly created, the Patriots when 62 yards on six plays and less than three minutes, as Mac Jones found Jakobi Meyers for a five-yard tally, this one ironically coming on fourth down that permanently gave the Patriots the lead.
4th down touchdown.@jkbmyrs5 | #ForeverNE
📺: #NEvsNYJ on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/GwYbNU3Tpz
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 30, 2022
Folk field goals accounted for the remainder of the Patriots’ points, their stagnant offense negated by more Wilson miscues. Familiar foe Devin McCourty had two interceptions after Greg Zuerlein missed a 45-yard triple, more or less ending the Jets’ realistic chances at victory.
Zach Wilson gets picked off!
That was Devin McCourty's 32nd career INT, tied for the most among active players 🔥
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/A2rKa7VvIv
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 30, 2022
In a classic case of too little, too late that has defined the Jets’ fortunes against their supposed rivals, Conklin earned one more touchdown from nine yards out, creating a gentler final score though their chances at victory officially ended when they failed to recover the ensuing onside kick.
Tyler Conklin has 79 yards & 2 TDs on the day now#Jets
pic.twitter.com/7nEAiOn3lF— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) October 30, 2022
The Jets will look to get back in the win column when the division-leading Buffalo Bills come to visit next Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
