By Matt Valentine
It’s been a long while since the New England Patriots were not the number one team in the AFC East heading into week ten. Fortunately for Jets fans that time has finally come.
Lead by a resilient offense that refused to lose despite some questionable defensive play calling the New York Jets defeated the Patriots 34-31 in overtime Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
The Jets actually led the game 24-6 shortly before half time, but relinquished a 19 yard TD pass from Matt Cassell who connected with Jabar Gafney just before the half ended to make the score 24-14. From that point on it seemed that New England had all the momentum climbing back into the game and eventually knotting the score at 24.
The Jets were able to muster little offense until their final drive in the 4th quarter when Brett Favre led his team on64 yard 14 play drive that ate up 7:50 on the clock. The drive was capped by a Thomas Jones touchdown run after the Patriots committed two fouls on the drive to keep the Jets alive.
After the ensuing kickoff the Patriots and QB Matt Cassel drove down the field in just over a minute, with Jets playing mostly prevent defense, a decision which struck many as odd. Cassel connected with Randy Moss who made a spectacular grab to tie the game at 31 with just one second remaining on the clock.
The Jets sideline looked completely deflated after the touchdown and many, including the games commentator Chris Collinsworth, questioned why the Jets would suddenly change their defense, which had played bump and run on Moss the entire game, and allow him to run free into the end zone.
As is the case with all NFL games that end regulation in a tie the ensuing possession was determined by a coin toss which the Jets won. The Jets took the ball and never relinquished control, getting a huge third down conversion from tight end Dustin Keller on a third and fifteen when they were backed up deep in their own end.
After the Jets drive finally stalled at the Patriots 34 yard line the Jets called on place kicker Jay Feely to seal the victory. Feely’s attempt sailed just inside the right upright giving the Jets a 34-31 victory and sole possession of first place in the AFC East.
The loss nullified a spectacular performance from Patriots QB Matt Cassel, who was 30 of 51 on the night for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also ran eight times for 62 yards, all career highs. Favre was 26-33 on the night for 258 yards and 2 TD.
This marks just the second victory for the Jets in their last thirteen games against New England. The Jets face the undefeated Tennessee Titans next, while the Pats will square off against their other division rival the Miami Dolphins who defeated the Patriots earlier this year.