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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Jets started Sunday on the outside looking into the playoff hunt. New York needed to take care of business and pull off an upset victory over the New England Patriots. Back in Week 6 the Jets lost a close one to the Patriots in Foxboro, 23-20.
Seeking redemption, New York would need a solid performance from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick has had a tremendous season, and has rekindled his career with his solid play in the starting role for New York. Fitzpatrick has thrown for 3724 yards this season and 29 touchdowns. During New York’s four game win streak going into Sunday, Fitzpatrick has led come-behind fourth quarter wins in two of the last three weeks.
Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman were both inactive for the Patriots on Sunday. Tom Brady and the New England offense suffered from both of their absences. Brady only managed 231 yards and one touchdown against the Jets Sunday. New York was able to sack Brady twice, and get 5 hits on him. Brady also had a rare miscue with Rob Gronkowski on a play early in the third quarter. Gronkowski kept running on a route that Brady expected him to sit on. Darrelle Revis took advantage of this miscommunication and intercepted the ball, for his fifth on the season.
The Jets’ 2nd ranked rushing defense in the NFL showed up to play Sunday. New England was only able to rush for just 63 yards on the game. Stephen Jackson who was recently acquired, was ineffective with just 15 yards on 7 carries. LeGarrette Blount‘s run production is definitely missed by the Patriots, and it showed Sunday.
Fitzpatrick played another fantastic game for New York, as he tallied 296 yards and three touchdowns. This included a game winning six yard touchdown pass to Eric Decker in overtime. Fitzpatrick did not have an interception, and his ball security is a reason the Jets picked up the 26-20 win in MetLife Stadium.
Brandon Marshall has been huge for the Jets this season. Marshall had a monster day, recording his fourth 100 yard receiving game in five games. The Jets got eight receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns from Marshall on Sunday. Fitzpatrick and Marshall have a connection, and it is one that will lead New York to the playoffs.
The Kansas City Chiefs won at home against the Cleveland Browns, and clinched a playoff berth. With the Pittsburgh Steelers losing to the Baltimore Ravens, New York moved into the final AFC Wild Card spot. The Jets now hold control of their own playoff destiny. With a win on the road against the Buffalo Bills next week, New York can clinch a playoff berth. After talking with wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, he talked about how he liked the grit and toughness that New York showed Sunday. Enunwa also said that the Jets will need to continue to fight and play hard in order to get a victory against Buffalo.
New York’s last playoff appearance was in 2010, as a Wild Card team as well. In that season, New York won two playoff games before losing in the AFC Championship game to the Steelers. The Jets have a good chance to make some noise this postseason, but first they need to take care of business in Orchard Park next week.
Stats Of The Game:
- Gronkowski was held to just four receptions for 86 yards and no touchdowns.
- The Jets’ defense was excellent on third down, limiting New England to just one third down conversion (1-10, 10%)
- New England won the toss, yet elected to kick to start overtime. This decision backfired when New York went down the length of the field in just five plays.
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732