The New York Jets finally snapped a staggering interception drought on Sunday, and it came in familiar fashion: a safety reading the quarterback, jumping the route, and ending a run that had dragged on for more than 1,000 days.
Minkah Fitzpatrick broke in front of a deep crosser meant for tight end Colston Loveland and came away with the pick against backup quarterback Tyson Bagent at Soldier Field. It was the first Jets interception in more than 600 pass attempts, with multiple trackers putting the number between 636 and 644.
Rich Cimini of ESPN said it took 1,004 days and 643 pass attempts for the Jets to finally record an interception, while the official NFL account identified it as the first in 636 pass attempts. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that Fitzpatrick got across the route to make the play.
Fitzpatrick’s timing mattered, too. The three-time All-Pro safety had missed time earlier this season because of a groin injury, then returned and delivered the kind of takeaway the defense had been waiting for. The interception came in the second quarter after the Bears had already gone ahead 7-0 on a short touchdown run.
The Jets entered the game with one of the longest active interception droughts in recent NFL history, and opposing quarterbacks had racked up hundreds of throws without a New York defender coming down with one. The streak stretched back to the end of the 2024 season and had become a constant point of discussion around the team.
In Other News...
Ben Johnson Sent A Clear Message About The Bears Quarterback Room
The Bears took care of the Jets with a run-heavy showing that leaned on Kyle Monangai, who ripped through New York for 146 yards and two touchdowns as Chicago controlled the game on the ground and on the clock. It was also a notable night for the quarterback room, with Ben Johnson opening the game by giving veteran Case Keenum one snap before turning things over to Tyson Bagent, who settled in and handled the bulk of the work.
Bagent finished 25 of 34 for 268 yards and an interception, a line that fit the way Chicago wanted to play in a game where the defense and run game carried plenty of the load. The choice to start Keenum for a play and then move quickly to Bagent was hard to miss, especially in a win where the Bears were able to dictate terms while the Jets struggled to generate much without Breece Hall. [Read more 🡒]
Tyson Bagent Faces One Bears Test That Could Decide Everything
Tyson Bagent is set to make his first start since the 2023 season in Week 4 against the Jets, with Caleb Williams still out because of a hamstring injury. Bagent has been handling most of the first-team reps in practice, and this week has become a real test of how the Bears want to function with a different kind of quarterback in place.
For Chicago, the question is less about asking Bagent to be a hero than about what a workable game plan looks like around him. His style gives the Bears a chance to lean into what he does well, but the bigger issue is whether the offense can stay on schedule and avoid forcing him into spots that dont fit his strengths. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Face A Brutal Week 4 Reality As Key Returns Near
The Bears Week 4 picture got a little clearer, and a little harder to ignore, with the final injury report confirming Caleb Williams and Braxton Jones will not be available. Kyler Gordon was also ruled out, though he is still working through his 21-day practice window, which keeps the door open for a return once he is cleared to ramp back up.
There is some lighter news buried in the roster churn, with Shemar Turner and Noah Sewell moving along on the Physically Unable to Perform list and expected back soon. Cam Lewis is also trending the wrong way and is doubtful for the Jets, leaving Chicago to piece together its next steps while waiting for several key names to come back into view. [Read more 🡒]