The New England defense intercepted Zach Wilson three times on Sunday afternoon, and the Patriots continued their head to head dominance over the New York Jets with a 22-17 victory at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It was a slow start for both teams, as they exchanged a field goal each early. New York took the lead early in the second quarter on an eight yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Tyler Conklin. The Jets also had an 84 yard interception return for a TD called back in the quarter for a late hit on New England quarterback Mac Jones. A late Patriots interception by Ja’Whuan Bentley would lead to a second field goal by Nick Folk to cut it to 10-6 at halftime.
The Patriots took the lead for good in the third quarter, taking the kickoff and going 62 yards in six plays. The big play was a Rhamondre Stevenson 35 yard run. Jones finished the drive with a five yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Myers on fourth down and one. Greg Zuerlin missed a tying 45 yard field goal on the ensuing drive for the Jets. Folk extended it 19-10 with his third and fourth field goals of the day of 49 and 45 yards, but came up empty on any points when Devin McCourty intercepted a bad Wilson pass at the New York 40 yard line. Another McCourty interception in the fourth did provide three more points on yet another kick by Folk. New York (5-3) would score late helped by a Wilson to Denzel Mims 63 yard completion. Wilson found Conklin for a nine yard touchdown with 1:56 remaining. The Jets tried the onside kick, but New England recovered to wrap up the road win bouncing back after a disappointing 33-14 home loss to Chicago last Monday night. Head coach Bill Belichek moved ahead of George Halas for second place in all-time coaching wins (regular and postseason) with 325.
Jones was efficient in returning as the starting quarterback for a full game, passing for 194 yards (24-35) for one touchdown and one interception. Stevenson had 16 carries for 71 yards, and was also the leading receiver with seven catches for 72 yards. Myers had nine grabs for 60 yards and a score. Jabrill Peppers had five total tackles to lead the defense, with McCourty coming up big with the two interceptions. Folk was 5-5 on field goal attempts with one made extra point. Wilson passed for 355 yards with two touchdowns, but threw the three interceptions in the loss. New York only rushed for 51 yards. Conklin had six receptions for 79 yards and both Jets touchdowns. New England (4-4) is back at home next Sunday at 1 p.m. to take on the Indianapolis Colts.
