Interceptions Hurt Zach And The Jets
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Shara Talia Taylor
The New York Jets winning streak stopped Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium after an unanticipated 22-17 loss to the New England Patriots.
It was unexpected considering the Patriots were in last place in the AFC East, the Jets were in second place in the conference and they had four straight wins prior to the game. New York played in sync to start the game, but a shift happened at the end of the second quarter and the Jets offense struggled the remainder of the game.
“Ten-point swing,” said Coach Robert Saleh. “It ended up being 17 if you count what happened in the second half. It was a costly penalty.” The penalty that Coach Saleh referenced was at the end of the second quarter. The Jets sailed through Sunday’s game until this point.
New York was first on the scoreboard with a field goal by kicker Greg Zuerlein. They ended the first quarter tied 3-3. They were also first to score a touchdown with an 8-yard pass from quarterback Zack Wilson to Tyler Conklin in the second quarter extending the lead to 10-3. The game changed directions like a pendulum. Wilson’s pass was intercepted by New England outside linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley with less than 48 seconds remaining in the quarter. Two plays later Jets cornerback Michael Carter ll intercepted the pass of New England quarterback Mac Jones and ran 84 yards for a touchdown, but a penalty on John Franklin-Myers for roughing the passer nullified the score. “He (Mac Jones) was hit too hard,” Coach Saleh said about the explanation of Franklin-Myers’ penalty.
New York led 10-6 at halftime, but didn’t score again until the end of the fourth quarter, when it looked like the game might turn around. Wilson completed a 9-yard pass to Conklin for a touchdown bringing New York 22-17, yet only a minute remained in the game and it was too late.
Following the loss Wilson said that he’s learning and getting better. “There are always plays I’m going to want back,” he said.
Wilson completed 20 of 41 attempted passes for 355 yards, threw two touchdowns and had three interceptions.
Jones completed 24 of 35 passes for 194 yards, threw one touchdown and had one interception.
Wilson was asked if he wished he ran more. “If it was there, I wish I would’ve taken it, but we’ll watch the film,” he said.
He was asked if he shoulders the loss. “No, but I need to play better,” he said.
The Jets offense also had some trouble defending Wilson as he was sacked twice. Jets defense performed well and had six sacks verses the Patriots two on Wilson.
It was the 13th straight loss against the Patriots. New York will have to change quickly to swing back in the winning direction as they take on the Buffalo Bills, who sit at first place in the AFC East.
