New England Patriots lose to New York Jets after overtime coin toss gaffe
Monday 28 December 2015 08:03, UK
The New England Patriots lost 26-20 to the New York Jets on Sunday after bizarrely opting to kick at the start of overtime.
The Patriots won the coin toss but Matthew Slater handed the ball to the Jets, and the decision was punished by Eric Decker's six-yard touchdown catch.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick accepted responsibility after the game for choosing to kick. "I thought it was the best thing to do," he said.
The result means the Jets will secure a wildcard play-off place if they beat Buffalo next week. The Patriots had already secured a first-round bye.
After regulation time ended with the teams locked at 20-20, the Jets took full advantage of the Patriots' shock generosity by moving into scoring position through a career-long 48-yard reception by Quincy Enunwa and a 20-yard pass to Brandon Marshall.
Quarter-back Ryan Fitzpatrick then hit Decker on a fade behind Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler to secure a fifth consecutive win.
Marshall had two touchdown catches and also became the first NFL player with 100 receptions in six seasons, while Fitzpatrick tied a franchise record with his 29th touchdown throw this season.
The Patriots forced overtime when Tom Brady hit James White for a nine-yard score with 1min 55sec remaining in the fourth quarter.
Sky Sports' live coverage of Week 16 in the NFL concludes with Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 1.15am on Tuesday morning.
