The New York Jets know drama.
Nick Folk kicked a 42-yard field goal in overtime on Sunday, lifting the Jets to a dramatic 30-27 win over the New England Patriots. It marked the third time in seven weeks that Folk has kicked a game-ending field goal for the 4-3 Jets.
Folk actually won it on his second attempt in overtime. His 56-yard miss minutes earlier was nullified when Patriots defensive tackle Chris Jones was flagged for pushing a teammate into the offensive formation during the attempt. The unsportsmanlike conduct foul -- put into effect this season -- was accurately enforced, but will draw heavy scrutiny in the hours and days to come.
The Jets are a player in the AFC playoff race. Who saw that coming?
Here's what else we took away from the game:
- Rob Gronkowski's return to the Patriots' lineup was a success. The tight end finished with eight catches for 114 yards (on 17 targets) and showed no ill effects following multiple offseason surgeries. This is the substantial silver lining for Pats fans.
- Another ride on the GenoCoaster. Smith got good protection up front and made big plays with his arm and feet. He overcame an ugly pick six in the first half that sent a previously boisterous MetLife Stadium crowd into a stupor. The Jets took the ball out of the rookie's hands in overtime, calling 11 consecutive running plays on their final drive.
- The biggest play of the game -- other than the Jones penalty, of course -- came early in the third quarter, when Antonio Allen jumped a Gronkowski route and ran back the interception 23 yards for a touchdown. The Pats were up 21-10 before Brady released the ball. That play touched off 17 unanswered points for New York.
On NFL Network
NFL Replay
will re-air the
New York Jets' 30-27 win over the
New England Patriots from Week 7 on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. ET.
- Jeremy Kerley had eight catches, 97 yards and one TD, including five grabs that moved the chains on third down. Kerley has neatly filled the void left by Santonio Holmes. He might be the better player, at this point.
- Allen's pick six ended a 24-quarter interception drought for the Jets that dated back to the second quarter of the season opener. That was the game Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David gave the Jets new life with a late hit out of bounds. David and Chris Jones now have something in common -- they both saved the Jets from certain defeat this season.
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