All the trash talk between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots came to an end this Sunday afternoon when the two teams dug into the trenches and began playing for the right to advance to the AFC Championship game. At halftime, the Jets hold a 14-3 lead on the road in Foxboro.
The Patriots held a 3-0 lead at the start of the second quarter, but Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez found receiver for touchdowns. His first one was a seven-yard strike to LaDainian Tomlinson at 10:30. As the second quarter wound down, Sanchez found Braylon Edwards for a 15-yard touchdown with 39 second left on the clock. Edwards had two players on his back when he powered his way into the end zone for the score.
The Patriots had several miscues, starting with a Tom Brady interception. David Harris made the interception and gained 58 yards on the return. However, the Jets failed to score any points after that (Nick Folk missed a field goal attempt). A second miscue occurred on a punt late in the second quarter. It was a direct snap to Patrick Chung, who was unable to control the ball. Though the Patriots recovered it, the Jets were at the Patriots' 37-yard line. This eventually set up the Sanchez-to-Edwards touchdown. A penalty on one of the last plays of the half also occurred.
Can Tom Brady lead the Patriots to a comeback victory?