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FOXBORO, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- For the first time since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, two 5-0 teams from the same division will meet when the
New England Patriots
host the
New York Jets
in a battle of AFC East rivals.
The last time two unbeaten teams met this deep into a season was October 28, 1973 when the 6-0
Minnesota Vikings
played the 6-0 Los Angeles Rams.
The Patriots are used to being in the spotlight. They extended their NFL record winning streak, including playoffs, to 20 games last week with a 30-20 victory over Seattle. The Patriots also have tied the regular season record for consecutive wins with 17 held by George Halas'
Chicago Bears
in 1933-34.
"I don't know who those guys were, but way to go," Patriots left tackle
Matt Light
said.
The Jets, who are 5-0 for the first time in their 45-year history, are one of only three unbeaten teams left in the NFL along with New England and Philadelphia. But the five victories have come against teams with a combined record of 6-22.
"The whole key is the Patriots know how to function in these games," Jets coach Herman Edwards said. "They've played in two Super Bowls. This is another game to try and win. It's a division game for them.
"For us, it's good to get in this atmosphere early. This is the type of atmosphere that takes place in November and December, if you are fighting to be a playoff team."
The Patriots swept the Jets last season, winning here, 23-16, on September 21 and at New York, 21-16 on December 20.
The last meeting was one Jets quarterback
Chad Pennington
would like to forget. He was intercepted five times and sacked four times while
Tom Brady
connected with
David Givens
on a pair of touchdowns.
"That was the most interceptions I've thrown in a game since my first start as a true freshman in college (at Marshall)," Pennington said.
Linebacker
Willie McGinest
made the defensive play of the game, batting a short pass by Pennington up into the air before cradling it into his arms and racing 15 yards for a touchdown. Linebacker
Mike Vrabel
had two of New England's four sacks.
The Patriots are a stronger team this season with six-time 1,000-yard rusher
Corey Dillon
, who had 105 yards and two touchdowns in last week's win over Seattle.
Former Patriot
Curtis Martin
just rolls on for the Jets, rushing for 111 yards and two touchdowns in a 22-14 come-from-behind win over San Francisco last week. He continues to climb the all-time rushing list, moving past Marcus Allen into eighth-place.
Matchup to watch: Pats left tackle
Matt Light
faces right end
John Abraham
.
Series: The Jets lead, 47-39-1.
Next week: NY Jets host Miami on November 1 New England visits Pittsburgh on October 31
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