The Jets have absorbed a number of soul-crushing losses to the Patriots during a 14-game losing streak against a perennial AFC East tormentor, but last November’s last-minute loss stands out as one of the most difficult to overturn. ing.
Last November at Gillette Stadium, Marcus Jones scored a touchdown on an 84-yard punt return with five seconds left in regulation, giving the Pats a 10-3 victory.
As Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer said Thursday, “You never forget something like that, you never really forget.”
Asked if the Jets’ special teams unit could use that unfortunate ending as motivation for Sunday’s game against New England at MetLife Stadium, Boyer said, “If not, something’s wrong.” ” he added. I think when you lose a match, especially when you lose in that way, you always have to think about it in the back of your mind, and obviously we’ll do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t happen again. ”
The Patriots added another wrinkle to their special teams unit last Sunday against the Dolphins, with safety Brendan Schooler getting a run-up start from near the sideline and counting the snaps. Blocks Miami kicker Jason Sanders’ field goal attempt.
“We’ve had some guys try it in the past and they did it perfectly and their times were really good. You’ve got to give it to them,” Boyer said. “I’ve never done it before, but I’ve seen it before and couldn’t do it better than them, that’s for sure.
“The Patriots are one hell of a football team, and their special teams are always really good. They’re always well-coached, so I think this week will be a big challenge for us.”
Jets manager Robert Saleh also had no recollection of seeing the play before and thought it was “cool,” but added with a smile, “I wish we could do it again.”
