The Jets battled relentlessly under pouring rain on Sunday, staging another thrilling comeback attempt at home against a division rival. However, unlike their Week 1 victory over the Bills, they couldn’t pull off another dramatic comeback, resulting in a 15-10 loss to the Patriots and dropping their record to 1-2. This matchup marked the third consecutive game between these teams that was decided by a one-possession margin.
“We simply need to keep pushing forward,” stated head coach Robert Saleh. “Overall, our performance was not up to par. We struggled on third downs and couldn’t establish a strong running game. From coaching to players, we need to improve in all areas.”
Trailing 13-3 in the fourth quarter, quarterback Zach Wilson rallied the Jets, completing 7-of-10 passes on a crucial drive that ultimately resulted in a 1-yard touchdown plunge by fullback Nick Bawden. Prior to this scoring drive, Wilson had only thrown for 47 yards on 9-for-17 passing. However, during the march that concluded with Bawden’s first career touchdown, Wilson amassed 79 passing yards.
With the crowd roaring and the Jets defense reinvigorated, Jeff Ulbirch’s unit forced a punt on the Patriots’ subsequent drive. Taking over at their own 10-yard line, the Jets were unable to replicate their earlier success. Two incomplete passes were followed by a holding penalty and ultimately a safety inflicted by Matthew Judon. Although the Jets had one more opportunity to close the gap at 15-10, Wilson’s three incomplete passes were followed by a fourth-and-10 attempt that resulted in a measly 2-yard gain by Tyler Conklin. Later on, Wilson’s Hail Mary pass was tipped several times but ultimately fell out of reach of Randall Cobb. The Patriots also escaped a potential 0-3 start for the first time since 2000.
The Patriots held a 10-3 advantage at halftime, outgaining the Jets with a total of 216 yards compared to the Jets’ meager 39 yards. The Jets’ struggles on third downs from their previous game against the Cowboys resurfaced, as they only converted 1 out of 8 attempts in the first half. Meanwhile, the Patriots achieved a success rate of 6 out of 10. At the end of the game, the Jets had a conversion rate of only 2 out of 14 (12.5%), their lowest since 2018.
“Even with Aaron [Rodgers] at quarterback, we knew there would be some challenges due to a new offense, playcaller, offensive line, and new players throughout the offensive side of the ball,” commented Saleh. “Now, we have this unexpected curveball to face, so the team is still adjusting. They will improve, but it’s important to remember that it’s still early in the season.”
