Skip to main content
Advertising

Was time on New York Jets' side? Maybe not vs. Pats

Does the clock operator at Gillette Stadium deserve credit for the New England Patriots' late comeback against the New York Jets on Sunday night?

Breer: Jet fuel

Despite dropping to 3-4, the Jets continue to exceed expectations heading into a crucial stretch. Albert Breer reports. **More ...**

That's what some Gang Green conspiracy theorists seem to believe when it comes to Devin McCourty's late fumble that set up New York's go-ahead score.

Here's what happened: McCourty received Nick Folk's kickoff on the goal line with 2:06 remaining, but the first second didn't tick off until McCourty already was at the 5-yard line. He coughed up the ball at the 14 with 2:04 remaining. The clock was stopped at 2:01 after Antonio Allen's recovery at the Patriots' 18.

With the 2-minute warning still in play, the Patriots essentially were given the benefit of another timeout in addition to the three they already had. Nick Folk broke the deadlock with a 43-yard field goal, but the Jets only burned 24 seconds off the clock in four plays.

That was more than enough time for Brady, who quickly marched the Patriots into Jets territory to set up a game-tying field goal by Stephen Gostkowski. The Patriots emerged with a 29-26 win, thanks to another Gostkowski kick in overtime.

On NFL Network
NFL Replay
will re-air the New England Patriots' 29-26 OT win over the New York Jets in Week 7 on Tuesday, Oct. 23

at 8 p.m. ET.

The NFL reviewed the play and determined there was no clock-operator error, a league spokesman said Monday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com.

What do you think? A desperate theory concocted by a crushed fan base? Or did the Patriots get the advantage of some home cooking in a big spot?

Discuss -- and try your best to be civil -- in the comments section below.

Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.