After improving their record to 7-3 with a 59-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, the New England Patriots were back on the field on Thanksgiving night against the division rival New York Jets.
The home-standing Jets won the opening coin toss and chose to defer to the second half, leaving the Patriots to receive the ball first. An intentional grounding penalty against quarterback Tom Brady would set up a quick 3-and-out for the New England offense, and solid starting field position for the Jets. However, a sack from rookie linebacker Dont'a Hightower would disrupt the Jets' first drive and force them into a 3-and-out of their own.
New England would put together a solid drive on their next possession, moving the ball deep into Jets' territory. However, yet another missed field goal attempt from Stephen Gostkowski would leave the Patriots' empty.
The Jets marched the ball right back down and into the red-zone, but an ill-advised pass from quarterback Mark Sanchez would be intercepted by safety Steve Gregory, turning the ball back over to New England.
As the quarter came to a close, the Patriots were knocking on the door for a score with the game tied, 0-0.