But they did. And though the Jets couldn't pull out the win on that day, falling, 24-17, in Week 2, they gave indications that this wasn't going to be the down year many had predicted would start the Eric Mangini era.
It's a year that has brought not only a playoff berth, but a third matchup -- the rubber game -- with old friend and former mentor Bill Belichick Sunday at 1 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. Much is made of the matchup, not just because of the rivalry between the cities and teams, but also because of a supposed rivalry between the coaches; Belichick has rarely uttered his acolyte's name, though he managed to get it out after Sunday's 40-23 win over the Titans -- with a bit of praise, to boot.
"We're back in the AFC East for our biggest challenge of the year," Belichick said. "Eric Mangini, his staff, and entire team are doing a phenomenal job. The Jets are playing extremely well, as we are well aware based on the last time we faced them."
Ah, the last time. Remember that one? On a mud pit of a field, the Jets sloshed to an unexpected 17-14 win in Foxborough Nov. 12, a victory startling not just because the Patriots were supposed to be in control in the AFC East but because it was their second straight loss, ending a streak of 57 games without consecutive defeats.
After the game, the frustration showed.
"Eric was here, so he knows what we do, but there are no excuses," said New England's Richard Seymour that day. "They outplayed us and outcoached us today. We just have to do a better job of meeting force with force. We just have to do a better job from top to bottom being ready to go."
The Jets used a short passing game -- perfect for the arm of quarterback Chad Pennington -- to chew through the Patriots' defense, one that was missing safety Rodney Harrison and end Ty Warren. And with their defense focused on pressuring quarterback Tom Brady, the Jets allowed the Patriots to convert just three times in 12 chances on third down.
