Jets kicker Nick Folk missed a chip shot on the opening drive, Joe McKnight fumbled and lost a punt return later on, and Mark Sanchez threw two interceptions – one for a score to seal it late – as the Patriots ousted New York, 37-16, to complete the regular-season sweep.
Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich was the unexpected standout of the game, making both of the interceptions, recovering the muffed punt and making five tackles.
New England improved to 6-3 and now has a hold on the division lead, while the Jets fell to 5-4.
“We got no chance,” Jets coach Rex Ryan told the media after the game when asked about where New York stands in the division race.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady finished the game 26-for-39 for three touchdowns and no picks, while Sanchez was 20-for-39 for 306 yards, one passing touchdown, the two picks and a rushing touchdown.
“You got No. 12 back there, and I don’t care who you got,” Ryan said of Brady’s effectiveness.
On Sanchez?: “I think it was inconsistent – like the play of the rest of the team.”
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