2. Jets Take Over as Maye Exits
The game continued to follow a similar script as last week, as two third-down pass interference calls helped pave the way for the first Jets score. It was a six-play, 70-yard drive with 35 yards, half the drive’s total, coming via the two penalties, one on Christian Gonzalez and one on Christian Elliss.
Breece Hall had two nice back-to-back gains of nine yards and 16 yards but the Jets also had a fumbled snap that burned one of their red zone snaps. Tight end Tyler Conklin caught Rodgers touchdown throw but the Jets missed the extra point, making it 7-6 Patriots late in the first quarter.
Drake Maye sustained a hard hit on the Patriots ensuing possession, part of a three-and-out that ended with the punt getting tipped. Special teams didn’t do much to help matters as the momentum swung steadily toward New York. They allowed a 40-yard return then followed that up with a net 24-yard punt as New York controlled the early field position battle.
The Jets responded with a seven-play, 59-yard touchdown drive. A 27-yard pass to Garrett Wilson stood out as the biggest play of the possession and that set New York up for a one-yard touchdown throw that handed them their first lead of the game, 13-7.
Meanwhile, Maye headed to the locker room with a head injury and would be ruled out for the second half. Jacoby Brissett took over for the offense but neither team would put a drive together for their last two possessions of the half, trading punts as New England’s defense stemmed the tide, forcing a late punt and keeping it a six-point Jets lead at the break.
