Patriots-Jets Preview

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The mission for Drake Maye and the New England Patriots as they prepare for the final two games of the regular season is clear.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) As they prepare for the final two games of the regular season, the mission of Drake Maye and the New England Patriots is clear.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The mission for Drake Mays and the New England Patriots heading into the final two games of the regular season is clear.

"It's as simple as winning a division," May said."That was the goal. Not to make the playoffs. To win the division, that's what we're going to try."

The Patriots (12-3) will get that chance Sunday against the New York Jets (3-12) at MetLife Stadium. New England clinched its first playoff berth since 2021 last week and could win the AFC East title for the first time since 2019 if Buffalo can get a win or a tie against Philadelphia or a tie and a loss against the Bills.

A win over the Jets would improve the Patriots' record to 8–0, marking the third time in franchise history that they have had no losses away from home.Since 1970, only San Francisco has been undefeated on the road in three seasons (1984, 1989, and 1990).

"We have to focus this week and get on the road to a good environment, going to New York, playing the Jets - and unfinished business," said Mike Vrabel, the coach who turned the business around in his first season."We want to be undefeated on the road ... that's something I think is special.

"I still want to play for the league. We want to win it. We haven't done that in a long time."

The Bills have won the last five AFC East titles and ended the Patriots' long reign in the division under Bill Belichick.

But that's nothing compared to the drought the Jets are dealing with.New York last won the division title in 2002. The Jets have not reached the playoffs since the 2010 season, the NFL's longest active streak.

First-year coach Aaron Glenn has consistently focused on building a foundation, insisting through his team's struggles that things will turn around.Jets fans, however, have little patience — especially after the Patriots went 4-13 the last two years, only to rebound and be one of the league's best teams again.

"I think when you look at any team in that situation," Glenn said, "you try to look and see what they've done, take a good look at yourself and evaluate what you've done, and try to move forward with that opportunity."

With many fans thinking about the offseason and the draft, the Jets are looking for wins in their final two regular season games against the Patriots and Bills.

"The only thing we're thinking about, more or less, is going out there and playing our (butt) and winning the game," Glenn said."And that's key for us - to end this season on a good note against two really good opponents, two division opponents. One at home and one on the road. Man, that's what we're thinking about."

Maye enters the NFL third in completion percentage (70.9), third in passing yards (108.5) and fourth in passing yards (3,947).The second quarterback was selected to the Pro Bowl game for the second time - and he is hearing MVP talk from some fans and the media.

While Meyer acknowledges the hubbub surrounding him, he insists he doesn't let it distract him.

"The MVP is without a doubt one of the biggest accolades for this league and something that is an honor as a player to win this award, and I respect all the MVPs in the past," May said."But I think at the end of the day, winning the Super Bowl is the biggest thing. I think what drives this league is winning big. That's what you work for and that's what this game is about.

“I love winning and the personal accolades that come with it, but I would rather win than receive individual awards.”

Uncapped rookie Brady Cook starts his third straight game and gets extended playing time in an unexpected opportunity.

Cook spent most of the season on the practice squad, but injuries to Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields left the former Missouri star under center in New York. In three NFL games, including his last two starts, Cook took a crash course in the pros. He threw for 527 yards, 1 TD, 6 INTs and a 59.2% completion rate, but was also sacked 17 times.

"I think I'm working on it," Cook said."I think, as a young player of the team, it is important to criticize myself. This is a very important response and time for me to examine myself and really understand where I am and where I need to improve. I think I would be remiss if I do not criticize myself now."

Vrabel is the fourth coach in NFL history to win his first seven road games with a new team, and the first since Jim Caldwell did so with Indianapolis in 2009.

Sunday's win would make it eight in a row for Vrabel, who would trail only George Seifert, who won the first 16 games for San Francisco in 1989-90.

Last week, the Jets set an NFL record by going 15 straight games without an interception.

The drought was snapped by San Francisco, which had gone 14 straight games without one before picking up its first interception in Week 8 of this season.New York's last INT came last season against Miami in the season finale when Ashtyn Davis picked off two passes.

"We have not received an interceptition this year, kindly kind," the inrror support."I haven't entered it in it, but we are doing it."

The writer AP Sports Kyle Hightower in Boston contributed to this report.

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