The New England Patriots, under head coach Jerod Mayo, have a quick turnaround after a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. With little time to regroup, the Patriots will look to get back on track by facing a familiar AFC East rival — the New York Jets — on Thursday Night Football. A victory over Aaron Rodgers and the Jets would go a long way in shaking off the sting of last Sunday’s defeat.
Thursday night matchups have historically been kind to the Patriots when facing the Jets. The upcoming clash will mark the sixth time the two teams meet in prime time on a short week, and New England holds a 4-1 record in these games. One of the most memorable of those victories came in 2012, a Thanksgiving night rout best remembered for the infamous “Butt Fumble” by then-Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. While it’s unlikely that history will repeat itself in such bizarre fashion, Thursday night games are known for strange moments given the short preparation time.
Overall, New England is 16-9 on Thursday Night Football, showcasing their ability to thrive under these tight turnarounds. Despite this history, Mayo’s Patriots are facing a different beast in Aaron Rodgers, who secured his first win as the Jets’ quarterback in Week 2 with a victory over the Tennessee Titans. With this game being the Jets’ home opener, Rodgers will be looking to impress the MetLife Stadium crowd and build early momentum in his first season with New York.
The Patriots, however, have a storied history against the Jets. With a 74-55-1 all-time series lead, New England has dominated this rivalry for years. In fact, the Patriots had won 15 consecutive games against the Jets before a 17-3 loss in the 2023 season finale, which also happened to be Bill Belichick’s final game as head coach. Despite that setback, the Patriots have won eight straight games in New Jersey and have a 13-3 record at MetLife Stadium.
New England’s 74 victories against the Jets are the second-most in franchise history, trailing only their 78 wins over the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots have swept their season series with the Jets 23 times, with the most recent sweep coming in 2022. Additionally, since Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994, New England has posted a dominant 45-17 record against the Jets.
While the Patriots’ defense will be tasked with containing Rodgers, their own offense will need to rebound after a shaky performance in Week 2. Look for Mayo to emphasize limiting turnovers and controlling the clock, as both teams adjust to the short week of preparation.
Thursday’s game could serve as an early barometer for how both teams will fare in a competitive AFC East. With both squads sitting at 1-1, a win could provide crucial momentum as the season progresses. For Mayo’s Patriots, a victory over the Jets in primetime would be a welcome reset after last week’s loss.
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