The New York Jets lost by three points in overtime, following a Mark Sanchez sack-fumble that turned the ball over, and allowed a Stephen Gostkowski field goal to win the game for the New England Patriots, 26-23.
Sanchez took a hit to his ankle during his backpedal from linebacker Jermaine Cunningham which caused him to stumble, and a second hit from fellow linebacker Rob Ninkovich dislodged the ball, which he recovered for the victory.
Throughout the 2012 season Mark Sanchez has been forced to answer questions regarding his status as the Jets' starting quarterback, while public phenom Tim Tebow waits in the wings. Moments like this won't help Sanchez's cause, and add more questions for the quarterback to answer.
Sanchez completed 68 percent of his passes, throwing for 328 yards, along with one touchdown and an interception on the day. There were some ill-advised decisions by the quarterback, but also several times he was let down by his receivers, including a critical late drop by rookie Stephen Hill which allowed the game to go to overtime.