Patriots Secure First Victory of the Season, Defeat Jets in a Close Match

At the conclusion of Sunday’s game against the Patriots, the Jets had a chance to pull off their second miraculous victory of the season, but their prayers were not answered this time.

On the last play of regulation, Zach Wilson’s Hail Mary was swatted in the direction of wide receiver Randall Cobb, who couldn’t grasp the ball while falling into the end zone. The incompletion gave the Patriots a 15-10 victory and a 1-2 record for the season.

Wilson struggled for much of the day, but he was able to put together a strong fourth-quarter drive that culminated in a score by fullback Nick Bawden. This brought the score to 13-10, but the Jets needed a touchdown when Wilson was sacked in the end zone by Matthew Judon. The Jets defense returned the ball to the offense twice more, but Wilson was unable to build any further offensive momentum.

Rainy conditions fuel the dominant run defense.@ezlazar’s #NEvsNYJ game observations: https://t.co/re71qRcIP5

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 24, 2023

For the first time this season, the quarterback finished the day 18-of-36 for 157 yards and avoided an interception. The lack of turnovers did not stop the home fans from booing Wilson, and it will not stop fresh concerns about whether the Jets should look for another quarterback now that Aaron Rodgers is out for the season. Despite the Jets’ offensive incompetence, the Patriots couldn’t put the game out of reach, and it’s difficult to envision future games going any differently.

On a rainy day in New Jersey, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones completed 15 of 29 passes for 201 yards and a score, while Ezekiel Elliott and Rhamondre Stevenson combined to rush 35 times for 139 yards. Judon had two sacks, while Chad Ryland, a rookie kicker, made a 51-yard field goal in the second half after missing two deep goals in the first.

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That field goal was the only point the Patriots offense scored in the last 30 minutes, but it was enough. Next Sunday, the Patriots will aim to win again in Dallas, while the Jets will visit Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.