The New England Patriots escaped from the 'worst NFL game ever' with a dramatic last-gasp touchdown on a punt return from rookie returner Marcus Jones.
The Patriots and Jets were embroiled in a match low in offensive quality, with quarterbacks Mac Jones and Zach Wilson struggling immensely. The score was locked in at 3-3 before New England snatched a dramatic victory.
The Jets went to punt on fourth down with under a minute remaining and expected to stop the Patriots before taking the game to overtime. However, Jones scored the first punt return touchdown of the 2022 NFL season to secure New England's 14th successive win over the Jets.
Until Jones' late heroics, this was certainly not a match that will live long in the memories of any fan. The Jets punted a total of 10 times - one more punt than the nine passes completed by Wilson, who finished with 77 yards.
Jones fared better in the box score as he put up 246 yards after going 23-for-27. However, the sophomore quarterback struggled immensely throughout with fans online calling for head coach Bill Belichick to bring in backup Bailey Zappe in Jones' place.
Fans were either furious with the two teams and their respective displays, or with themselves for committing to watch such an arduous spectacle. Chris Coleman (@CJCau) wrote: “I’m not saying this [Jets vs Patriots] game is the worst of all time, but it’s the worst I’ve ever watched.
“How bad is it? In Australia, it was a 5am kickoff and the pre-dawn TV commercials have been more entertaining than the game.”
Others were equally as uninterested in the match, with Laza (@LazaBautista) quipping: “This the worst football game I ever seen and I’ve only seen the 4th quarter.”
It wasn't just the match itself that received heavy criticism on social media, with others keen to place the onus of the poor match on the quarterbacks involved. While he didn't exactly follow others in calling for Zappe, Mid-Major Enjoyer (@azkeyboarddog) wrote: “Mac Jones is having the worst statistically good game ever.”
However, Wilson received more criticism amid a poor start to his NFL career since he was drafted second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Valley Boys Sports (@VBSofficial_) chimed in with: “This Zach Wilson game is one of the worst QB performances I’ve personally ever witnessed.”
Elsewhere, RJ (@epci_drainer) tried to look on the bright side, adding: “Zach Wilson is one of the worst quarterbacks I’ve ever seen it’s really a testament to how elite the jets defense is that they’re 6-3 and in this game.”
Thanks to the dramatic ending, the Patriots escaped the clash with the Jets with a 10-3 win. Both teams sit on 6-4, with New England leapfrogging their rivals thanks to their superior record.
