Patriots vs Jets: A Storied NFL Rivalry
The New England Patriots and the New York Jets are two of the most recognizable franchises in the NFL, and their rivalry is one of the most intense in the league. Rooted in history, fueled by competitive games, and spiced with drama, the Patriots vs. Jets rivalry has become a must-watch fixture on the NFL calendar. Here’s an exploration of this storied matchup, from its origins to modern times.
Historical Background
The Patriots and Jets rivalry dates back to 1960 when both teams were founding members of the American Football League (AFL). Originally, the Patriots were based in Boston, while the Jets were known as the New York Titans. The first meeting between the two teams took place on September 17, 1960, with the Titans winning 24-7.
The rivalry gained momentum over the years as both teams sought supremacy in the AFL’s Eastern Division, which later became the AFC East when the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970. With both teams playing in the same division, their twice-a-year meetings became pivotal for division titles, playoff berths, and, of course, bragging rights.
The Bill Belichick Factor
Arguably, the rivalry took on new levels of intensity when Bill Belichick entered the picture. In 2000, Belichick was hired as head coach of the Jets after the resignation of Bill Parcells. However, Belichick famously resigned after one day, leaving behind a handwritten note saying, “I resign as HC of the NYJ.” He soon became the head coach of the Patriots, and the rest is history. Under Belichick, the Patriots transformed into a dynasty, while the Jets, for the most part, continued to struggle.
Jets fans have never forgotten this moment, and Belichick’s success in New England has only added fuel to the fire. Belichick’s teams have dominated the rivalry in the 21st century, particularly during the Tom Brady era, with the Patriots often getting the better of the Jets both in the regular season and playoffs.
The Tom Brady Era
Speaking of Tom Brady, the former Patriots quarterback played a significant role in the rivalry’s modern history. From 2001, when he took over as the Patriots’ starter, through his departure in 2020, Brady was 30-7 against the Jets, making New England’s dominance during that era nearly unmatched.
However, the Jets did manage a few notable victories during the Brady era. One of the most memorable was the 2010 AFC Divisional Playoff game, where the Jets, led by quarterback Mark Sanchez and head coach Rex Ryan, upset the heavily favored Patriots 28-21 in Foxborough. It was a rare postseason triumph for the Jets and one of the more satisfying victories for their fans in recent memory.
Post-Brady and the Rivalry Today
After Brady’s departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, the rivalry entered a new phase. The Patriots have been rebuilding around new quarterback Mac Jones, while the Jets have gone through their own changes with young signal-callers like Zach Wilson and, more recently, Aaron Rodgers, who joined the team in 2023. Injuries to key players, inconsistent quarterback play, and coaching changes have kept the Jets from achieving consistent success, but the hope remains high for a more competitive matchup in the coming seasons.
The 2020s version of the rivalry has been marked by some close games, but the Patriots have continued to hold the upper hand. Nonetheless, every game between these two teams is unpredictable, and the rivalry’s history ensures that any contest can become an instant classic.
Notable Moments in the Rivalry
- 2006 Regular Season Upset: The Jets, under head coach Eric Mangini, stunned the Patriots in Foxborough, winning 17-14 in a rain-soaked game. Mangini, a former Belichick assistant, added drama to the rivalry.
- The Spygate Scandal: In 2007, the Jets and Patriots’ rivalry was further inflamed by the “Spygate” scandal. The Patriots were caught videotaping the Jets’ defensive signals during a game, which led to a fine for Belichick and the loss of a draft pick for New England. The controversy only deepened the animosity between the teams.
- 2015 Overtime Thriller: In one of the most exciting games of the rivalry, the Jets defeated the Patriots 26-20 in overtime, with Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing a game-winning touchdown pass to Eric Decker. The win kept the Jets’ playoff hopes alive, though they would eventually fall short of the postseason.
Future Outlook
The future of the Patriots vs. Jets rivalry is as intriguing as ever. With both teams trying to reestablish themselves as contenders, the stage is set for even more memorable matchups in the years to come. The Jets’ acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, despite his early-season injury in 2023, has provided renewed hope for the franchise, while the Patriots continue to mold their roster around young talent.
For Jets fans, ending the Patriots’ dominance remains a priority. For Patriots fans, keeping the Jets in their place is equally important. Whatever happens, the rivalry between these two teams will remain one of the NFL’s most compelling storylines.
Conclusion
The Patriots vs. Jets rivalry is about more than just football. It’s about history, drama, and the constant pursuit of greatness. With each game carrying the weight of past clashes and the promise of future battles, this rivalry remains one of the league’s most captivating. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of either team or a neutral observer, when the Patriots and Jets face off, you can expect nothing less than a fierce, hard-fought contest.