Jets nip Pats in OT VIA FEELY’s FG

The New England Patriots’ Matt Cassel had the better numbers, but the Jets Brett Favre got the win.  It didn’t come easy, however, as the two AFC East heavyweights battled evenly for 60 minutes.  Jay Feely’s 34 yard field goal in OT provided the slim margin of victory as the New York Jets edged the Patriots 34-31 at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night.

The Jets led 24-6 in the first half before settling for a 24-13 lead at the break.  Brett Favre had two first half TD passes, and Leon Washington ran a kickoff back 92 yards for a score and it looked like the visitors had the game well in hand.  The Patriots fought back in the 2nd half, however, behind two Matt Cassel TD passes—the last a 16 yard strike to Randy Moss that tied the game with 1 second to play. 

Unfortunately for New England, the NFL overtime format doesn’t reward second chances.  The Jets won the toss and in the only drive of the extra session set up Feely’s game winning field goal with 7:10 remaining.  With the victory, the NY Jets took over sole possession of first place in the competitive AFC East.

Matt Cassel put up some impressive numbers for the game—400 yards passing with 3 TDs and no interceptions.  Favre, meanwhile, posted his own solid numbers going 26 of 33 for 258 yards with 2 TDs and no interceptions.  The Jets held a significant time of possession advantage (39:18 to 28:32) and a slight edge in rushing yardage (140 to 125).  The Patriots gained more first downs (26 to 23), more passing yards (386 to 235) and more total yards( 511 to 375).  New England’s cause was undermined by a horrible 4 for 14 on third down conversions.

The Jets have won four straight and 6 of 7, and beat the Patriots for only the 2nd time in their past 13 meetings.  They’ve got a tough assignment next weekend as they’ll travel down south to play the undefeated Tennessee Titans.  It’ll get a little easier after that, with Denver visiting the Meadowlands on 11/30 and a trip to San Francisco to meet the hapless 49ers on 12/7.

New England dropped to 6-4 with the loss and faces two tough games in the weeks ahead, beginning with a matchup next Sunday in Miami against the rapidly improving Dolphins.  They’ll then host the Pittsburgh Steelers at home before heading to the Pacific Northwest to play the dismal Seattle Seahawks.