Patriots use turnovers to roll to win over the Jets

September 19, 2021

 

The New England Patriots intercepted New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson four times Sunday afternoon, and cruised to their first win of 2021 by a score of 25-6 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New England has now won 11 straight meetings over New York.

Wilson was intercepted twice on his first two passes of the game, with New England turning the first one into a 46 yard field goal from Nick Folk and then the second one into a seven yard touchdown run by James White for an early 10-0 lead. New York (0-2) got on the board with a late first quarter field goal, before Wilson was intercepted again in the second and Folk added another kick of 49 yards shortly before the break as the Patriots led 13-3 at halftime. Wilson once again was intercepted on the games first possession of the second half, and then Damien Harris who lost a late game fumble in a one point loss to Miami in the season opener a week ago broke off an impressive 26 yard scoring run on the second play after the interception. Harris broke four or five tackles to find the endzone and extend the advantage. New England (1-1) added two more field goals by Folk, while New York got another one as well from their kicker Matt Ammendola that capped off the scoring on the day.

New England rookie quarterback Mac Jones after a good performance in the Week 1 loss was efficient again going 22-30 passing for 186 yards with no touchdowns, but also for a second straight week no interceptions. Harris had 16 carries for 62 yards and the one touchdown, White had six catches for 45 yards and his lone rushing score, while Jakobi Myers and Jonnu Smith also added four receptions each. Ja’Whuan Bentley had six total tackles, while JC Jackson had two of the interceptions, and Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips had one each to lead the defense. Wilson finished 19-33 passing in the loss for 210 yards and the four picks in his first career home start. Michael Carter ran 11 times for 59 times, and Braxton Berrios caught seven passes for 73 yards. New York won every offensive category including plays, yards, and time of possession with the four big turnovers making the difference in the game. New England is back at home next Sunday when they host the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m.