J-E-T-S: Just End The Streak (vs. Patriots)

Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones runs previous Jets punter Braden Mann, left, on his punt return for a landing throughout the second half of an NFL recreation on Nov. 20, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass.
Credit score: AP/Michael Dwyer

Sufficient is sufficient.

The Jets are bringing that mentality into Sunday’s recreation towards New England, making an attempt to keep away from a fifteenth consecutive loss to the Patriots.

“It’s about time that we finish that rattling streak,” tight finish Tyler Conklin informed Newsday. “It’s been happening for approach too lengthy. You don’t wish to give it an excessive amount of thought. It’s simply one other week, however on the similar time, it’s a streak that must be ended.”

Patriots coach Invoice Belichick has owned the Jets since he famously wrote on a bit of paper that he was resigning as “HC of the NYJ” in 2000. He’s 37-11 towards the Jets, playoffs included.

The 14 straight losses by one crew to a different is the NFL’s second-longest lively streak. If the Jets lose Sunday at MetLife Stadium, they’ll share the league’s longest present streak with the Broncos, who’ve misplaced 15 in a row to Kansas Metropolis.

The Jets recorded their final victory over New England on Dec. 27, 2015, in additional time.

“It’s talked about right here and there. All people is aware of it’s an extended streak,” Conklin stated. “All people on this locker room desires it to finish.”

The Jets are 1-1 this season and have an opportunity to go 2-0 within the AFC East for the primary time since 2012. After all, they’ll need to slay their dragon, the Patriots, who’re 0-2.

Second-year Jets receiver Garrett Wilson known as the skid “unacceptable.” For the reason that Jets’ final win over their AFC East rival, quarterback Tom Brady received three Tremendous Bowls, misplaced one and retired twice.

“I do comprehend it’s been some time,” tight finish Jeremy Ruckert informed Newsday. “We’re excited to hopefully execute and alter that.”

Ruckert was a sophomore at Lindenhurst Excessive College the final time the Jets beat New England.

No Jet has been with the crew for all the video games. Lengthy snapper Thomas Hennessy has been part of 12 of the losses. Subsequent is Quinnen Williams with eight. Particular groups coordinator Brant Boyer has been with the Jets for all 14 losses, and the 14th nonetheless haunts him: Final Nov. 20, Marcus Jones returned a punt 84 yards for a landing with 5 seconds left because the Patriots surprised the Jets, 10-3.

“You always remember one thing like that, you actually don’t,” Boyer stated.

A number of the newer Jets had the identical response as first-time Jets final yr after they heard concerning the streak. Receiver Allen Lazard came upon on social media and wanted verification.

“I really requested Garrett, ‘Is that this actual?’ ” Lazard informed Newsday. “He’s like, ‘Yeah, bro, it’s loopy.’ ”

Lazard, a former Packer, has a distinct perspective. He’s 8-0 towards the Chicago Bears. The joke is that Aaron Rodgers owns the Bears.

“I’ve type of been on the other aspect of that,” Lazard stated. “It’s only a mindset, a perception going into the sport and even all through the sport of understanding that you simply’re going to win whatever the scenario. Or vice versa, the place it’s been right here the place they most likely thought we’re going to fumble the sport or we’re going to lose.”

Final yr’s losses had been brutal. Zach Wilson got here beneath fireplace after each.

He threw three interceptions within the first recreation, a 22-17 loss. Within the second, the offense totaled 2 yards within the second half and Wilson wouldn’t maintain himself accountable afterward.

He’s 0-4 towards the Patriots with two landing passes and 7 interceptions. It may get ugly at MetLife, with followers raining down boos on Wilson, if he has one other dangerous recreation towards them.

Wilson stated his focus is on proving to his teammates that he can lead them.

“This locker room is tight and we will’t let the skin noise get to us,” he stated. “We’re simply going to continue to grow collectively as a bunch.”

Wilson threw three interceptions towards the Cowboys final week, however there was loads of blame to go round after that lopsided loss. Robert Saleh stated Wilson and the Jets can’t dwell on Dallas or final yr’s video games towards New England.

“What occurred up to now occurred up to now,” Saleh stated. “You possibly can’t play scared. You possibly can’t play by serious about issues that occurred up to now. You’ve bought to give attention to the second. That’s the place all our consideration must be.”

One other former Packer, Randall Cobb, who’s 3-2 towards Belichick groups, stated the 14 straight losses imply nothing to him, however he is aware of the significance of breaking it for Jets diehards.

“I realized that from the followers fairly shortly once I got here right here and met just a few folks,” Cobb informed Newsday. “They informed me about their dislike for the Patriots and The Patriots’ Method. I completely get that.

“It’s about profitable a soccer recreation, a divisional recreation. I feel it could be enormous for us to go up 2-0 in our division. That’s our focus.”

7 SEASONS . . . 14 LOSSES

The Patriots have not misplaced to the Jets since December 2015. A have a look at the streak: 

Nov. 20, 2022, Pats 10, Jets 3 (at NYJ): The Jets are surprised when Pats rookie Marcus Jones returns a punt 84 yards for a TD with 5 seconds left. Belichick passes George Halas for second place on the profession victories listing (325) as Zach Wilson suffers three INTs and Nick Folks kicks 5 FGs towards his former crew.

Oct. 24, 2021, Pats 54, Jets 13 (at NE): Mac Jones throws two TD passes in his first profession 300-yard recreation. Zach Wilson leaves the sport early within the second quarter with a proper knee harm.

Sept. 19, 2021, Pats 25, Jets 6 (at NYJ): Wilson is intercepted 4 instances in his NFL debut.

Jan. 3, 2021, Pats 28, Jets 14 (at NE): Pats QB Cam Newton is 21-of-30 for 242 yards and three TDs, and runs for 79 yards and one other TD.

Nov. 9, 2020, Pats 30, Jets 27 (at NYJ): Patriots rating 13 unanswered factors within the fourth quarter, together with Nick Folks’s game-winning 51-yd. FG as time expired. 

Oct. 21, 2019, Pats 33, Jets 0 (at NYJ): Sony Michel runs for 3 TDs and New England forcec Sam Darnold into 5 turnovers.

Sept. 22, 2019, Pats 30, Jets 14 (at NE): Enjoying with out QB Sam Darnold (mononucleosis), the Jets are outclassed as Tom Brady is 28-for-41 for 306 yds., and a pair of TDs.

Dec. 30, 2018, Pats 38, Jets 3 (at NE): In Todd Bowles’ remaining recreation as Jets coach, Brady has 3 first-half TD passes and the Pats clinch their ninth straight first-round playoff bye.

Nov. 25, 2018, Pats 27, Jets 13 (at NYJ): Brady throws 2 TD passes and turns into NFL’s profession chief in passing yards in regular-season and playoff video games.

Dec. 31, 2017, Pats 26, Jets 6 (at NE): Pats clinch residence discipline benefit all through playoffs as Belichick will get his  250th regular-season win.

Oct. 15, 2017, Pats 24, Jets 17 (at NYJ): Brady units NFL document for regular-season victories by a QB, getting his 187th.

Dec. 24, 2016, Pats 41, Jets 3 (at NE): Brady passes for 214 yds., 3 TDS as Belichick wins his two hundredth recreation in New England.

Nov. 27, 2016, Pats 22, Jets 17 (at NYJ): Brady ties Peyton Manning for many wins by a QB (200), with a go-ahead 8-yd. TD cross with 1:56 left.