Henderson's Hat Trick Propels Patriots to 27-14 Victory Over Jets, Extending Winning Streak
Foxborough, Mass. — The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 27-14 on Thursday Night Football, keeping their seven‑game winning streak alive. Quarterback Mac Jones connected with rookie running back Rhamondre Henderson on three separate scoring drives, giving the Patriots a comfortable lead early in the second quarter.
The Patriots entered the matchup at 6‑1, having won six of their last seven contests. Their offense generated 382 total yards, with Henderson accounting for 102 rushing yards and three touchdowns, the first coming on a 12‑yard run and the others on short goal‑line carries. Jones added two passing touchdowns, one to a wide receiver on a deep post route and another to a tight end in the red zone. The Jets managed 241 yards, with quarterback Zach Wilson completing 18 of 29 passes for 178 yards and a single touchdown pass.
Defensively, New England limited the Jets to just 14 points, forcing two turnovers and recording three sacks. The Patriots’ secondary held the Jets’ receivers to a combined 57 yards after the catch, a notable improvement from their previous meeting. Post‑game, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised the team’s execution, noting that “the unit as a whole stayed disciplined and capitalized on opportunities.” Jets coach Robert Saleh acknowledged the need for adjustments, stating that the team will focus on improving its red‑zone efficiency.
The victory maintains the Patriots’ position near the top of the AFC East and strengthens their case for a playoff berth. Analysts highlighted the importance of Henderson’s performance, suggesting that his emerging role adds depth to New England’s rushing attack. The win also marks the Patriots’ third straight Thursday night triumph, underscoring their ability to perform under the national spotlight.
Looking ahead, New England travels to face a divisional rival next week, a game that could further influence playoff seeding. The Jets, now at 3‑4, will seek to rebound against a non‑conference opponent, aiming to halt their recent slide and re‑establish momentum before the final stretch of the regular season.
