Jets no longer have to answer questions about their long skid against the Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots' reign of dominance over the New York Jets was swept away in the snow globe atmosphere that engulfed Gillette Stadium. And what the end of the Jets' 15 game losing streak even sweeter is that might have come in Bill Belichick’s final game on New England’s sideline.

“Good to put it to bed,” quarterback Trevor Siemian said after completing 8 of 20 passes for 70 yards for the Jets (7 10). Greg Zuerlein kicked three field goals to help the Jets earn over the Patriots since an overtime win on Dec. 27, 2015. It marked the Jets’ first win in New England since the 2010 AFC divisional playoff round — and their first regular season victory there since 2008.

“I’m sure Coach isn’t fired up when he gets questions about that that kind of stuff," Siemian said of Robert Saleh, who was 0 5 against the Patriots as the Jets' head coach. "You don’t have to talk about it anymore, probably.” In recent years, New England’s victories over New York ran the gamut of either being lopsided or close shaves.

In 2021, the Patriots continued to air it out in the fourth quarter in a 54 13 rout. Last season, the Jets allowed Patriots rookie Marcus Jones to return a punt for a touchdown during the final seconds of a 10 3 win that enabled New England to continue its dominance over its AFC East rival. “You’ve got to do something pretty special to be able to have a winning streak like that,” Saleh said.

“Today’s game was about starting 2024 on the right foot, getting a win, and hopefully the first of many in 2024." Zuerlein converted from 21, 40 and 33 yards but was short on his 49 yard try with 21 seconds remaining in the first half. “Kind of a gritty game. Fun, but tough sledding out there,” Siemian said.

The Jets sacked Bailey Zappe seven times and forced him to throw two interceptions in the fourth quarter when it was still a six point game. “It’s a true blessing. It’s the little things that matter," Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner said. “That’s a part of history, if you ask me. I wouldn’t want to do it with any other coaching staff or group of guys.” The snowy conditions made it ideal to run the ball and the Jets pounded the Patriots behind Breece Hall, who rushed for 178 yards.

It was Hall's third 100 yard rushing game of the season and left him 10 yards away from posting a 1,000 yard campaign after seeing his rookie year cut short by a knee injury. “I looked out (Sunday morning) and saw a bunch of snow on the ground," Hall said. “All of the backs knew they were going to have to carry the load.” Hall’s career high 37th and final carry of the game resulted in a 50 yard touchdown that officially sealed the win for the Jets with 1:57 remaining.

“You don’t notice it as the game goes along. You find that rhythm and as an offense focus on what you need to do,” Hall said when asked about the lofty number of carries. Asked to characterize his team’s 7 10 season that began with losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a torn left Achilles tendon and concluded with snapping a lengthy skid against the Patriots, Saleh used the word “frustrating” before talking about getting 2024 off on the right foot.

“We know what we’re capable of," Saleh said, "and we’re a lot closer than I feel like people think.” ___ AP NFL:.