Patriots vs. Jets: A Rivalry Rekindled

The New England Patriots and New York Jets are two of the most iconic teams in the NFL, with a rivalry that dates back to their days as members of the American Football League (AFL). The two teams have met 117 times in the regular season, with the Patriots holding a slim 61-55-1 advantage.

The Early Years

The Patriots and Jets first met in 1960, the AFL's inaugural season. The Jets won the first meeting, 34-24, but the Patriots won the rematch, 45-10. The two teams split their two meetings in 1961, but the Patriots won both games in 1962.

The AFL-NFL Merger

In 1970, the AFL and NFL merged, and the Patriots and Jets were placed in the AFC East. The two teams continued to play each other twice a year, and the rivalry intensified.

The 1980s: The Jets' Decade

The Jets enjoyed their greatest success in the 1980s, winning the AFC Championship twice and reaching the Super Bowl three times. The Patriots, on the other hand, struggled during this decade, posting a losing record in all but one season.

The 1990s: The Patriots' Turn

The Patriots began to turn things around in the 1990s, winning their first Super Bowl in 2001. The Jets, meanwhile, continued to struggle, posting a winning record in only two seasons during the decade.

The 2000s: Brady vs. Sanchez

The rivalry between the Patriots and Jets reached new heights in the 2000s, thanks to the presence of Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez. Brady led the Patriots to three more Super Bowl wins, while Sanchez led the Jets to two AFC Championship games.

The 2010s: The Patriots' Dynasty

The Patriots continued their dominance in the 2010s, winning three more Super Bowls and reaching the AFC Championship game in every season except one. The Jets, meanwhile, struggled to keep up, posting a losing record in most seasons.

The Present Day

The Patriots and Jets are both coming off disappointing seasons in 2022. The Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008, while the Jets finished with a 4-13 record.

The Future

The Patriots and Jets are both looking to rebound in 2023. The Patriots have a new head coach in Bill O'Brien, while the Jets have a new quarterback in Zach Wilson. It should be an interesting season for both teams.

Key Stats

• The Patriots and Jets have met 117 times in the regular season, with the Patriots holding a 61-55-1 advantage.
• The Patriots have won the last six meetings between the two teams.
• Tom Brady is the all-time leading passer in the Patriots-Jets rivalry, with 9,490 yards and 64 touchdowns.
• Mark Sanchez is the all-time leading rusher in the Patriots-Jets rivalry, with 550 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Three Stories From the Patriots-Jets Rivalry

The "Heidi" Game

The "Heidi" Game is one of the most famous games in NFL history. It was played on November 17, 1968, between the Jets and the Oakland Raiders. The Jets were leading 32-29 with just two minutes remaining in the game when NBC cut away to a telecast of the movie "Heidi." The Raiders scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes to win the game, 43-32.

The "Butt Fumble"

The "Butt Fumble" is one of the most embarrassing plays in NFL history. It occurred on November 24, 2012, between the Jets and the New England Patriots. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was attempting to hand the ball off to running back Bilal Powell, but he fumbled the ball. The ball hit Sanchez in the buttocks and rolled into the end zone, where it was recovered by the Patriots for a touchdown.

The "Miracle in the Meadowlands"

The "Miracle in the Meadowlands" is one of the most exciting plays in NFL history. It occurred on December 19, 2010, between the Jets and the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were leading 30-17 with just over two minutes remaining in the game when Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Santonio Holmes. The Jets then recovered the onside kick and drove down the field for a game-winning field goal.

What We Can Learn From These Stories

The Patriots-Jets rivalry is full of memorable moments, both good and bad. These stories teach us that anything can happen in a football game, and that it's never over until the final whistle blows.

Tips and Tricks for Patriots-Jets Fans

• Get to the game early. The Patriots-Jets rivalry is one of the most popular in the NFL, so tickets can be hard to come by. If you're lucky enough to get tickets, make sure you get to the game early to avoid long lines and traffic.
• Be loud and proud. The Patriots and Jets fans are known for their passion, so don't be afraid to cheer on your team and let the other team know what you think.
• Have fun. The Patriots-Jets rivalry is a great chance to catch up with friends, have some fun, and watch some great football. So make sure to enjoy yourself!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't get into fights. The Patriots-Jets rivalry is a heated one, but it's important to remember that it's just a game. Don't let your emotions get the best of you, and avoid getting into fights with other fans.
• Don't throw things. It's never okay to throw things at players, referees, or other fans. If you're upset about something, express your displeasure in a respectful way.
• Don't be a sore loser. If your team loses, don't take it out on the other team's fans. Be a good sport and congratulate the winners.

Conclusion

The Patriots-Jets rivalry is one of the most iconic in the NFL. It's a rivalry that has been full of memorable moments, both good and bad. So whether you're a Patriots fan or a Jets fan, make sure you enjoy the rivalry for all its worth.

Tables

Regular Season Head-to-Head Record