The New York Jets stayed close for three and a half quarters, but finally succumbed to the New England Patriots 37-16 today in Foxborough. It was a game marred with missed opportunities and poor execution by the Jets, but ultimately the Patriots were the better team and deserved the win.
Key plays in the game:
1. Corey Dillon fumbled late in the first quarter giving the Jets terrific field position at the Pats 15. The Jets were unable to punch it in and settled for a field goal. While it slowed New England’s momentum and cut the lead to 7-3, the team’s inability to score a touchdown in the red-zone would prove ominous.
2. With New England leading 20-13 late in the third quarter and the Jets driving at the Patriot 48, Chad Pennington’s flip to Jerricho Cotchery was ruled a fumble (rightly, so) and was recovered by the Patriots and brought back to the Jets 15. Probably the play of the game. The D was able to hold the Pats to three, making the score 23-13, but the momentum had clearly swung. The most galling part of the fumble was that the same thing happened to the Jets a few weeks ago in Miami. The Jets were alert and able to recover the football that night, but weren’t quick enough to pounce on this mistake.
3. Early in the fourth quarter, the Jets cut the lead to 23-16 and needed a big stop by the defense. It didn’t happen. The Pats ripped off a 13 play 63 yard drive culminating in a 7-yard TD pass by Brady to Faulk. More importantly, the drive ate 6:23 off of the clock. Pennington, down by 14 and needing points quickly, forced a pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown icing the game for New England.
It was a disappointing loss, no doubt, but I can’t be angry with this team. The Jets fought all game and gave me more than I thought possible at the beginning of the season. I can say that it was appalling to watch Bill Belichick’s antics on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. You’d think the Pats just won the Super Bowl. And that exaggerated push to hug Mangini after the game? PUH-LEEZE!!! As if I needed another reason to hate this team.
Am I satisfied? No way - and the good thing is - neither are the Jets. Mangini has laid the foundation for next year, but with that comes higher expectations. Are the Jets ready for it? To be continued September 2007.
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It was a tough loss, but come on man, grow a spine. When your team loses you should be pissed, you should be fuming, you shouldn't say awe shucks, they sure tried their hardest. I'll never understand you Jets fans.