NEW YORK (Reuters) –
Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez rallied the New York Jets to a surprise 16-9 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday.
New England had won eight consecutive games against the Jets at the Meadowlands but on Sunday it was Sanchez, not veteran Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who ended with the victory.
"This meant a lot, man," said wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who caught four passes for 87 yards. "Today's a special day," he added of snapping the streak to the Patriots.
"It's something you have to carry with you year after year.
The fans rose to the occasion today and we wanted to make sure we did our job. It was a collective effort."
Sanchez threw for one touchdown and helped set up two Jay Feely field goals for the Jets in the second half while their defense shut down the Patriots (1-1) in the final two quarters.
The rookie completed 14 of 22 passes for 163 yards without an interception, while his nine-yard pass to Dustin Keller a minute into the third quarter gave the Jets a 10-9 lead, which they did not relinquish.
"It took until the second half, but what an amazing team win," Sanchez told reporters after the victory put the Jets (2-0) on top of the AFC East standings.
Jets coach Rex Ryan agreed.
"I just thought we were the better team today," New York's first-year head coach said. "We went out and showed it."
Brady, meanwhile, failed to complete a touchdown pass and was intercepted once while completing 23 of 47 passes for 216 yards.
"We didn't do much," said the veteran quarterback, who had never lost to the Jets at the Meadowlands.
"It was poor execution a lot of the time," Brady said.
"We (have) all got to do a better job. I've got to do a better job throwing the ball. Be more accurate."
He failed to complete three consecutive passes on the Patriots' final drive, ending their comeback bid at the New England 28 with a minute to play.
The Jets then ran out the clock.
Stephen Gostkowski kicked three field goals for the Patriots, who led 9-3 at halftime.
(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina. Editing by Ed Osmond and Greg Stutchbury)
