As the New York Jets continue on the road to infamy — and Los Angeles to face the Chargers — in the 2020 season, Nov. 22 revives the memory of a low point for a franchise that has seen its share of embarrassing moments.
Thanksgiving fell on Nov. 22 in 2012 and the New England Patriots were facing Gang Green that evening.
A place took place in that game that has become known as the “Butt Fumble” and Mark Sanchez and the Jets will never live it down.
The Jets trailed 14-0 in the second quarter. On first down at their own 31-yard line, Mark Sanchez took the snap under center, faked a handoff to fullback Lex Hilliard, and turned to run upfield with no other options. It was a broken play.
Sanchez ran into the back of offensive lineman Brandon Moore, who was being pushed back by Vince Wilfork. He then fumbled the ball near the line of scrimmage before it was scooped up by Patriots safety Steve Gregory and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown.
Jets return specialist Joe McKnight fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Julian Edelman returned it 22 yards. That made it a pair of New England TDs in 10 seconds.jet
The Patriots outscored the Jets 35-3 in the second quarter en route to a 49-19 romp.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrP4llkRS2c
Sanchez, now an announcer, has embraced his role in the football folly.