December 23, 2002
 

JETS TOP PATRIOTS, EXTEND AFC EAST RACE TO FINAL WEEK

The New York Jets defeated the New England Patriots 30-17 on Sunday night to improve to 8-7 and force the AFC East title race to go down to the wire.  The Patriots also stand at 8-7, one game behind the division-leading Miami Dolphins, who they face next Sunday at home.  The Jets host the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 with hopes of claiming the division title.

New York QB CHAD PENNINGTON completed 23 of 33 attempts for 285 yards, with touchdown passes to WRs LAVERANEUS COLES, SANTANA MOSS and WAYNE CHREBET.  RB CURTIS MARTIN ran for 106 yards on 26 carries.

The Jets led 17-10 at halftime before New England QB TOM BRADY led the Patriots on a touchdown drive to start the third quarter.  Brady connected with TE CHRISTIAN FAURIA on a 6-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 17.

However, the Patriots would not score again as two field goals by the Jets’ JOHN HALL and Pennington’s 15-yard touchdown strike to Chrebet gave New York its final margin of victory.