Jets 34 Patriots 31

Give the Jets credit, they finally did it. The New York Jets are now in first place in the AFC East for the first time since 2001, but it wasn't easy. The Jets were up 24-6, as the Patriots finally looked like all those injuries were going to tear them apart, but then Cassel went off. Sure Cassel missed some passes and had trouble connecting with Moss down field, but you can't argue with that stats he put up last night (30-51 for 400 yards 3 TDs). The Patriots really came to life in the second half, and it was largely due to Cassel and rookie LB Mayo.

The Patriots in the 4th quarter were down by a touchdown, after an over 7 minute drive by Favre. There was just over a minute left, the Pats had no timeouts. Cassel was able to drive them down the field, and with only 1 sec remaining on the clock Cassel connected with Randy Moss in the right side of the end zone to tie the game. It was a great throw, and an ever better catch. It was great to see a guy, who has a legacy of quitting on teams, make a play at the end of the game for his QB.

The game went into overtime, and the Patriots lost the coin flip (man, I hate how much that matters). The Patriots had the Jets at 3rd in long back up in their own half of the field, but a blown coverage left Dustin Keller wide up for the first down. After that, the Jets just marched down the field and kicked an easy 34 yard field goal.

Even though the Patriots lost, they have to be impressed with the improvement of Matt Cassel. Not only is he throwing better, but he also seems to know when to use his feet. Last night, Cassel become first Patriots QB to run for over 60 yards since Steve Grogan in 1978.

I still see the Patriots taking this division, and at least going 10-6. Hopefully they can get Ty Warren back soon (groin injury), because that would help that depleted defense. If the Patriots didn't play so poorly in the first half, they would have won this game. Well that, and that holding call on Vrabel during the Jets 7 minute drive to take the lead in the 4th quarter.

-BMack