CHICAGO — The New York Jets ended their streak without an interception on Sunday when safety Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent in the second quarter of Chicago’s 23-12 victory at Soldier Field. This interception came after the Jets had gone 20 consecutive games without one, spanning 535 passing attempts. The last player to record an interception for the Jets was Ashtyn Davis, who left the team in 2024.
Davis had two interceptions in the 2024 season finale, which was his last game with the team. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn commented on the interception, stating, "We got an interception. Great. But we lost the game. That’s what I’m thinking about — how we get better."
Fitzpatrick, who returned after missing two games due to a groin injury, expressed mixed feelings about the interception. "Obviously, you wanted to be able to celebrate when you break a negative streak like that, but when you finish the game that we finished, there’s no real reason to celebrate," he said.
The Jets had opportunities for three additional interceptions during the game, but all were negated by penalties. Defensive tackle D’Vondre Sweat intercepted Bagent in the first quarter, but the play was nullified by an illegal hands-to-the-face penalty against Azareye’h Thomas. A pick by cornerback Brandon Stephens was called back due to an offside penalty on linebacker Demario Davis. Davis acknowledged his mistake, stating, "A bad mental error on my part that can’t happen." In the fourth quarter, rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted a pass, but the turnover was overturned by a defensive holding penalty. Glenn remarked, "I’m really more upset about the penalties in those moments when we created opportunities to get our offense the ball back. We have to get better."
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who had a strong performance the previous week, was targeted only four times, catching three passes for 27 yards. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq was also targeted four times but did not record a reception. Wilson expressed his frustration, saying, "I take a lot of pride in making a play when the ball does come my way. I want more on my plate, for sure."
When asked about the limited targets for Wilson and Sadiq, Glenn responded, "Good question. We have to go back and look at the tape to see why. But we have to find a way to get [Wilson] the ball. He’s one of the engines that gets us going, both those guys."
The Jets lost edge rusher Braiden McGregor to a chest injury in the third quarter, and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee left the game with a concussion, both failing to return. Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood forced a fumble by Bears running back D’Andre Swift, which was recovered by Stephens. Davis recorded the Jets' only sack of the game.
Bears running back Kyle Monangai rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries against the Jets. The Jets have not won a game in Chicago since 1997, with an 0-4 record at Soldier Field since then.
Inactive players for the Jets included running back Breece Hall (quad), wide receiver AD Mitchell (finger), edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, cornerback Nahshon Wright, linebacker Kiko Mauigoa, guard Dylan Parham (knee), and tight end Mason Taylor (thumb).