Even when the Patriots are bad, they’re still better than the Jets

Despite their struggles, the Patriots proved superior to the rival Jets yet again.

Since the start of the millennium, the New England Patriots have been a towering force over the New York Jets, sporting a 31-11 record over two decades. This includes the 2006 playoff win by the Patriots, 37-16, and the 2010 win by New York, 28-21.

However, in their first meeting of the new decade, it came down to a last-second field goal as the Patriots escaped MetLife Stadium with a 30-27 victory on Monday Night Football in Week 9 to improve to 3-5 on the season. New York, meanwhile, falls to 0-9.

Cam Newton finished 27-of-35 for 274 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Jakobi Meyers, who had a very happy birthday, had 12 catches for 169 yards and a touchdown. Joe Flacco, on the other hand, threw three touchdowns and passed for 262 yards but had one costly interception to JC Jackson that concluded with Nick Folk stealing a win from his former team.

The Patriots have now won nine straight against the Jets and lead the overall series 68-54-1, the lone tie coming in 1966 when the then Boston Patriots and the Jets finished a 24-24 tie. Prior to the 21st century, the franchises collided in a wild-card playoff game in 1985 where New England upset the Jets 26-14 and went on to Super Bowl XX.

The Patriots must improve if they want things stay the same against New York

Jets fans will never forgive themselves for the 2001 hit that Mo Lewis delivered on Drew Bledsoe that ushered in the Tom Brady era. Fast forward to 2020, and the franchise still is reeling from that decision and the fateful day that Bill Belichick resigned on a napkin before going away and making history.

As for the Patriots, this season has not gone the way they had expected it. Though they are now 3-5, it is highly likely that they will shift the majority of their attention to the draft in hopes of landing prospects that can help them retain the success that has eluded them this season.

Belichick mentioned earlier that the team “sold out” over a five-year period that culminated in four Super Bowl appearances and three championships. That’s a good reason to pay lots of money and most franchises will take three championships let alone one.

With New York, it’s been since 1969 that they hoisted a Lombardi Trophy, let alone appeared in a Super Bowl. Instead, it’s been a downward trajectory with surprise moments but consistent underachievement.

Both franchises are likely to not do much this season, and likely will overhaul their rosters in the offseason. On the bright side for New England, even in a lost season, they are still continuing their dominance over Gang Green.