Jets' Streak-Busting Interception a Rare Highlight in Dismal Loss to Bears

The New York Jets finally halted their streak of 20 games without an interception on Sunday, as safety Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent in the second quarter. However, this rare defensive highlight was overshadowed by the Jets' 23-12 loss at Soldier Field.

The Fitzpatrick interception came after the Jets had gone 535 passing attempts and 20 consecutive games without securing a turnover from an opponent's pass. The last interception for the Jets had been recorded by Ashtyn Davis in the 2024 season finale, a player no longer with the team.

"Honestly, I’m not really worried about that," Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said of the end of the pick-less streak. "We got an interception. Great. But we lost the game. That’s what I’m thinking about — how we get better."

Fitzpatrick, returning from a groin injury, echoed the sentiment that the milestone felt hollow due to the game's outcome. "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 three other potential interceptions nullified by penalties during the game. Defensive tackle D’Vondre Sweat's first-quarter pick was called back due to an illegal hands to the face penalty on Azareye’h Thomas. Later, a Brandon Stephens interception was negated by an offside penalty on linebacker Demario Davis. In the fourth quarter, rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted a pass, but the turnover was overturned due to his own defensive holding penalty.

"A bad mental error on my part that can’t happen,'' Demario Davis said regarding the offside penalty. "I’m really more upset about the penalties in those moments when we created opportunities to get our offense the ball back," Glenn added. "Everything else is really just white noise to me. We have to get better."

Offensively, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who had a strong performance the previous week, was targeted only four times against the Bears, catching three passes for 27 yards. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq, also a productive receiver in the prior game, was targeted four times and did not record a reception.

"Yeah, it is frustrating, but you control what you can control," Wilson said. "I take a lot of pride in making a play when the ball does come my way. Being a receiver, being one of the guys this organization believes in — I’ve got a long-term contract with them — when the ball comes my way, I’ve got to make the play. I want more on my plate, for sure.'' Wilson also commented wryly, "I’m good; I didn’t get hit," referencing his limited involvement.

When asked about the low target numbers for Wilson and Sadiq, Glenn stated, "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 also sustained injuries during the game, losing edge rusher Braiden McGregor to a chest injury and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee to a concussion in the third quarter. Both players did not return. Linebacker Jamien Sherwood forced a fumble that was recovered by cornerback Brandon Stephens. Demario Davis recorded the Jets' only sack of the game.

Bears running back Kyle Monangai was a dominant force, rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. The Jets' struggles in Chicago continue, as they have not won a game in the city since 1997, holding an 0-4 record at Soldier Field since that time.

Inactive for the Jets were running back Breece Hall (quadricep), wide receiver AD Mitchell (finger), edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, cornerback Nahshon Wright, linebacker Kiko Mauigoa, left guard Dylan Parham (knee), and tight end Mason Taylor (thumb).