Brutal Jets mistake just helped send the Patriots to the Super Bowl

Somehow, no matter what’s happening across the NFL, it always finds a way to come back to the New York Jets. Jets fans are never allowed a moment of peace, because even when their team isn’t involved, they’re still the punchline.

Such was the case in Sunday's AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, a game that saw the Jets' AFC East rivals hold onto a 10-7 victory and punch their ticket to Super Bowl LX.

One of the game’s defining moments came late in the fourth quarter, with the Patriots clinging to a narrow three-point lead. Broncos kicker Wil Lutz lined up for a potential game-tying 45-yard field goal with 4:48 remaining, only for a familiar ex-Jets player to make himself part of the national conversation.

Former Jets defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III got a hand up and blocked Lutz’s kick, preserving the Patriots’ 10–7 lead and effectively sealing the win. Taylor’s play helped send New England to the Super Bowl, and once again, the Jets played an unwelcome role in the Patriots’ good fortune.

Jets' Leonard Taylor III blunder helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl LX

Taylor originally signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and was viewed as the crown jewel of the team’s UDFA class. A former five-star recruit, he was once considered a potential first-round pick before underwhelming production and perceived attitude concerns led him to go undrafted.

The former Miami standout impressed enough to make the Jets' 53-man roster out of training camp, and he'd go on to record 1.5 sacks, nine pressures, and 10 run stops in 14 games as a rookie.

Taylor returned in 2025 and once again made the team’s Week 1 roster, only to be waived the following month in October. The Jets likely hoped to re-sign him to the practice squad, but Taylor instead opted for an opportunity with the Patriots.

It took him a couple of months to get acclimated, but Taylor wound up playing an important role for the Patriots down the stretch. His impact isn't just limited to that one blocked field goal, either.

Since Week 17, Taylor ranks in the top six among all qualified interior defensive linemen in both pressure rate and pass-rush win rate, including the regular season and playoffs. He's become a quality (and efficient) depth interior pass rusher for Mike Vrabel's defense.

Meanwhile, the Jets spent much of the latter half of 2025 trotting out the likes of Jay Tufele, Khalen Saunders, Mazi Smith, and Payton Page as their depth defensive tackles. It's safe to say they could have used a player with the pass-rush upside of Taylor.

Instead, Taylor is out here making plays in the AFC Championship Game and helping the Jets' biggest rival reach the Super Bowl. It always comes back to the Jets.