The New York Jets’ season took a dark turn Sunday in a loss to the New England Patriots.
Despite losing their quarterback Drake Maye to a concussion, the Patriots were able to surprise the Jets late in the game to score a 25-22 victory.
New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who inherited the team’s reins three weeks ago after the abrupt firing of Robert Saleh, stood at the podium, his eyes glassy, his voice trembling at times. He was trying to make sense of a once-promising season that seems all but lost.
“I’m pissed, they’re pissed,” he said of the players. “I’m hurt, they’re hurt. »
“I mean five losses in a row is pretty bleak,” tight end Tyler Conklin said, amplifying Ulbrich’s comments. “One or two losses in a row can get dark. It sucks.”
Aaron Rodgers, for his part, remained unmoved: “I experienced darkness. You have to live it to be able to make peace with it.”
The Jets lost their fifth game in a row while the Patriots ended a six-game losing streak.
Maye’s injury appears to have occurred on a play late in the first quarter in which Maye attempted an 18-yard gain. As Maye slid late in the race, Jamien Sherwood’s helmet made contact with Maye’s helmet during a tackle attempt.
Maye took some time to get back up, but stayed in the game for the next four plays. After the Patriots’ punt, Maye walked to the sideline and first sat on the bench, before being taken to the medical tent for an evaluation. He then returned to the locker room on his own.
Jacoby Brissett entered the game midway through the 2nd quarter with the Jets ahead 13-7.
Brissett completed 15 of 24 passes for 132 yards, with three rushes for 11 yards, leading New England to an unexpected victory.
In the 3rd quarter, a 62-yard return from Marcus Jones allowed New England (2-6) to take the lead on a running touchdown from Rhamondre Stevenson.
Trailing by two points with seven minutes remaining and with a 2-6 record staring them in the face on the road, New York (2-6) embarked on the kind of action that could change the momentum of the whole season.
Afterward, Rodgers led the Jets on a 10-play, 70-yard drive, capped by a two-yard Braelon Allen touchdown run to regain a five-point lead.
Rodgers finished the game with 17 completions on 28 attempts for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
Newcomer Davante Adams chipped in with four receptions for 54 yards, while Garrett Wilson had 113 yards after a five-catch day.
When the Jets needed a stop the most, their best players failed to make it. Sauce Gardner was beaten by Kayshon Boutte for 34 yards to put the Patriots in the pay zone with a minute to play. A Stevenson touchdown two plays later, thanks to an excellent block from Quebecer Sidy Sow, gave New England the lead for good.
The Jets, now 2-6, will face the Houston Texans at home on Thursday night.
