For one fleeting moment, every New York Jets fan thought the most unexpected man had just broken the team’s historic interception drought.
Unfortunately, it was called back due to a penalty, and the beat marched forward — despite a team celebration that extended the fantasy a little longer.
That was until the most likely of candidates officially put an end to the nonsense. Minkah Fitzpatrick’s second-quarter interception of Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent officially ended the misery.
Trailing 0-7, early in the second quarter of Week 4’s matchup, Fitzpatrick made Bagent pay for a late throw over the middle. Not since Ashtyn Davis picked off Tyler Huntley on Jan. 5, 2025 (the 2024 season) have the Jets intercepted a pass.
Why Ben Johnson threw the ball two straight times on that drive is anybody’s best guess.
Leading 13-3 at halftime, Chicago ran for 112 yards on 26 carries in the first half. The time-of-possession game is severely lopsided, with the Bears’ offensive line winning at the line of scrimmage.
What’s more interesting is Aaron Glenn’s game plan: For the second straight week, he’s playing the patient card. Instead of extra early-down run fits, he’s consistently playing two-deep, while daring Johnson and Bagent to become impatient.
Although the Minkah interception was a result of Chicago’s impatience, for the most part, they’ve run the ball against lighter boxes.
Geno Smith completed just 3 of 8 passes for 18 yards in the first half. Garrett Wilson collected 13 yards on 2 receptions, and Braelon Allen snagged the other one.
If the New York Jets want any chance of getting back into this game, their rushing attack must get going.
