Rival Jets Determined to Break Patriots Streak, Send Belichick Out a Loser
For the better part of a decade, the New England Patriots schedule comes with two games fans can comfortably mark down as wins, no matter the circumstance. The New York Jets haven’t beaten the Patriots since head coach Bill Belichick decided to kick at the beginning of overtime.
That was in 2015.
Just over eight years later, that losing streak has extended to 15, complete with embarrassing outings, ghost sightings, four five-possession losses, and more bad quarterback play than any sane football fan can bear to watch.
New York linebacker Quincy Williams admitted that the extensive streak has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
“It’s not something that’s verbally talked about, but I can say that it might be a side conversation. It’s in the back of everyone’s heads for sure because of the rivalry of the team,” Williams said.
Both of these teams are far from a playoff spot, but that won’t make Week 18 meaningless. When the Patriots host the Jets on Sunday, they’ll do so in what could very well be Belichick’s last game in New England.
What better way to get revenge for two decades of destruction than to face those hoodie-clad demons at the last possible moment?
New England (4-12) is favored by 2.5 points on Sunday. In many ways, this Jets (6-10) team is the same as it was in Week 3 when the Patriots won a sloppy one, 15-10. It may be a different quarterback if Trevor Semian isn't benched in favor of Zach Wilson, but the difference is futile. This is a contest between two teams with wretched offenses and strong defenses.
Enduring the worst season of his 24-year Patriots career, Belichick heads into the otherwise-meaningless season finale not looking only to keep his job but also avoid tying the NFL records for most regular-season coaching losses and losses including playoffs.
It may not have playoff implications, but rivalry games tend to run hot and so many of Sunday’s participants are fighting for spots on next year’s roster. Expect Week 18 to be an emotional finish to an otherwise numbing season.
