New England Patriots (6-4) – New York Jets (6-4): 10-3
Duels of defenses, attacks that trample, harsh weather, the Patriots and the Jets delivered a match that is furiously reminiscent of the football of the last century. 13 points scored, 17 punts, 11 sacks, 400 yards produced in total, the two clubs experienced a painful encounter locked in defensive actions. With a long match blocked at 3-3, fortunately extra time was avoided thanks to a brilliant action a few seconds before the end of the match. Marcus Jones delivers New England by relaunching a clearance all along the field, and puts an end to the fourteenth success in a row of Bill Belichick’s men against the Green Gang.
Faced with the good defense of New York, and particularly the very big green line, the Patriots were more homogeneous and constructive, but were betrayed several times by their kicker. And despite twice as much time of possession as their opponent, three times more yards garnered, the men of Massachusetts had difficulty in transcribing their advantage on the scoreboard.
On the side of the Jets the offensive construction posed big problems. Zach Wilson struggled to get in sync with his receiver body, watering the field with imprecise and ill-fitting passes. The game even saw the Green Gang post more punts than completed passes or first downs.
Aggressive weather and defenses
After a slight delay and a few technical problems, the meeting opened with exchanges of clearances, the defensive squads suffocating their vis-à-vis. Muzzled lines, a sack, a fumble (recalled by the referees), false starts, the attacks have a hard time getting started. Especially since the wind does not help the aerial game, the two teams offer old-fashioned football. The first blow comes from Damien Harris (65 yards on the ground, 28 yards receiving) who pierces for 22 yards and helps his team to enter the red zone at the end of the first quarter. 0-0 at the change of sides.
Well placed, New England opens the second period with a field goal that unlocks the scoreboard. However, the game remains balanced. In response, Zach Wilson (9/22, 77 yards) managed to alert Denzel Mims (35 yards) for 34 yards, to enter the last yards, and equalize. And even if the Patriots seem launched they fail to convert. Despite heavy pressure Jonnu Smith (40 yards) escaped for 26 yards, Rhamondre Stevenson (26 yards on the ground, 56 yards receiving) fought for a first attempt, but Nick Folk’s kick (1/ 3) is missed to regain the advantage. The teams return to the locker room tied, 3-3 at the whistle.
It would have taken a miracle
The second half begins on the same manly basis. Matthew Judon (5 TKL, 1.5 sacks, 1 TFL) becomes the third best sackeur in Patriots history, and Harris unblocks the situation by flying for 30 yards. Only to see Folk fail again at 43 yards, and the game continues to stall. Mac Jones (23/27, 246 yards) connects with Jakobi Meyers (52 yards) then Hunter Henry (20 yards) without result, when Zach Wilson comes to nothing and infuriates his teammates. The two teams continue to exchange punts, the defenses are omnipresent and the third quarter ends without points scored.
The last round is no more eventful. Both clubs reach the automatic timeout without the attacks managing to produce anything, between ill-fitting passes and crushed runs on the lines. The deliverance comes 7 seconds from the end. While everyone was considering a painful extension, Marcus Jones raises yet another punt, slalom for 84 yards and scored the only touchdown of the game. Touchdwon, whistle, New England exults and New York, disappointed, sees its lead in the division standings disappear.
Yes !!! Marcus Jones releases us from this hell with a decisive punting return in the last seconds 🥲#NYJvsNE #ForeverNE
🎥 @NFLpic.twitter.com/lOYFdHjmbo
— DNA of Sports.com – NFL News 🏈 (@DNA of Sports) November 20, 2022
