Patriots Lose Maye, Rally to Defeat the Jets

A fourth-and-goal rushing touchdown by New England Patriots running back Rhomandre Stevenson with 22 seconds remaining in the game lifted the New England Patriots to a 25-22 victory over the New York Jets.

The Patriots improved to 2-6 with the win, while the Jets fell to 2-6.

Trailing by five, Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett orchestrated a 14-play, 70-yard game-winning drive with 2:57 remaining. Brissett entered the game early in the second quarter after rookie starting quarterback Drake Maye was ruled out with a head injury. Brissett was New England’s starter for their first five games but was eventually replaced by Maye.

“You never want to see a player go down. Obviously, hoping Drake gets back. I think it was a good win. Fighting through adversity,” Brissett said postgame. “Being able to come in the game and guys rally around me and help make plays. We obviously pushed it in at the end to score the win. I think that was the encompass of a lot of things throughout the season.”

Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte struggled throughout most of the game, but had a critical 34-yard reception in the game-winning drive.

“Kayshon made a great play. I felt like I under-threw it. As soon as it came off my hand, I was like, ‘damn.’ He made an unbelievable play, a play that we needed at that time.” Brissett said.

Later in the same drive, Boutte set up New England’s offense on the one-yard line with a four-yard reception.

Before the game-winning drive, the Jets had regained the lead after trailing 17-16 in the fourth quarter. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers led New York on a 13-play, 70-yard drive capped off by a Braelon Allen rushing touchdown. The Jets missed the 2-point try but still held a 22-17 lead.

The teams traded punches throughout the game. Neither team was able to pull ahead by more than a score.

Jets veteran kicker Greg Zuerlin left four critical points on the table with a missed extra point and a missed field goal.

When asked if he regrets sticking with Zuerlin, Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich said, “No, I do not.”

Ulbrich is now 0-3 as the Jets interim head coach. He was elevated after the Jets fired Robert Salah earlier in October.

This season has been incredibly disappointing for the New York Jets, who were projected to be an AFC powerhouse.

“I’m pissed. They’re pissed. I’m hurt. They’re hurt. We are not executing in critical moments, especially down the stretch.” Ulbrich said.

The Jets tried to correct the trajectory of their season two weeks ago when they traded for star receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. Adams was held to four catches for 54 yards.

The Jets have now lost five straight. Their last win was a home Thursday night game against the Patriots on September 19th.

Only three teams in the Super Bowl era have clinched a playoff birth while starting the season 2-6. The most recent was the 2022 Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jets will be back in action on Thursday night when they host the Houston Texans.

The Patriots will travel to Nashville for a match-up against the Tennessee Titans next week.

“Really proud of the guys. There was a lot of noise and a lot of chatter. I’m very appreciative of just their attitude and professionalism on an everyday basis.” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said after the game.