Amtrak is much more enjoyable after a victory, according to Mike Vrabel. The Patriots linebacker was too modest to accept his third-quarter interception as yesterday’s turning point to a 17-16 victory over the Jets, citing the efforts of an entire team not willing to kiss its season goodbye.
“The turning point is when you don’t shut it in and pack it up and get ready to go home on a train and be miserable,” Vrabel said after New England’s improbable 17-16 victory. “I think that’s a big turning point.”
The Patriots won a turnover battle against a team that was +22 heading into the AFC East clash. New England was -2 before picking off two Vinny Testaverde passes.
The Jets had four takeaways in their first meeting in New England, securing a 10-3 victory because the Patriots squandered chances.
“That’s their style of defense, and they force a lot of turnovers,” quarterback Tom Brady said. “It came down to turnovers [yesterday]. We had a couple that were big for us.”
After a listless first half, the Patriots (7-5) went three-and-out to start the third quarter. Two plays later, Pats defensive lineman Brandon Mitchell tipped a Testaverde pass and Vrabel picked it off at New England’s 31.
“Tipping that ball by Brandon gives the linebackers and the underneath coverage guys a chance to make a play on the ball,” Vrabel said. “We talk about ball disruption, and ball disruption is interceptions, batted passes and things like that.
“Those things are a big deal in the NFL.”
The Patriots came alive under Brady after that, scoring in five plays to cut the Jet lead to 13-7. They added another touchdown after a Gang Green field goal, later kicking a late field goal to move within striking distance of the Jets in the standings.
“[Vrabel’s INT] was the turning point of the game by far,” said fullback Marc Edwards, who scored the Pats’ second TD. “You get that big turnover over there [when] they’re getting ready to go in and go up 20-0, that’s a pretty tough deficit.
“He makes a big play there and we take it right down their throat the next three series.”