CHICAGO — On a gray October afternoon at Soldier Field, the New York Jets finally did something they hadn’t done in nearly two full seasons: they intercepted a pass. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, returning from a two-game absence due to a groin injury, picked off Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent in the second quarter of Sunday’s 23-12 loss. The takeaway snapped a staggering 20-game drought without an interception, a span that covered 535 opposing pass attempts. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the pick was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance that left head coach Aaron Glenn searching for answers.
A Streak Snapped, But No Celebration
Fitzpatrick’s interception was the Jets’ first since Ashtyn Davis recorded two in the 2024 season finale — a game that turned out to be Davis’s last in green and white. The veteran safety, acquired to bring stability to the secondary, acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the moment. “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,” Fitzpatrick said. Head coach Aaron Glenn echoed that sentiment: “We got an interception. Great. But we lost the game. That’s what I’m thinking about — how we get better.”
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Jets actually had three other interceptions nullified by penalties — a recurring theme that has plagued this team all season. Defensive tackle D’Vondre Sweat’s first-quarter pick was erased by an Azareye’h Thomas illegal hands to the face penalty. Later, cornerback Brandon Stephens’s interception was called back when linebacker Demario Davis was flagged for offside. “A bad mental error on my part that can’t happen,” Davis admitted. Rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds also had a fourth-quarter pick overturned by his own defensive holding penalty. “I’m really more upset about the penalties in those moments when we created opportunities to get our offense the ball back,” Glenn said. “Everything else is really just white noise to me. We have to get better.”
Offensive Woes: Wilson and Sadiq MIA
While the defense finally generated a turnover, the offense sputtered. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who torched the Lions for over 100 yards last week, was targeted just four times, catching three passes for 27 yards. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq, also coming off a 100-yard game, was targeted four times but failed to record a single reception. Wilson, who signed a long-term extension with the Jets, expressed frustration with his limited role. “Yeah, it is frustrating, but you control what you can control,” he said. “I take a lot of pride in making a play when the ball does come my way. I want more on my plate, for sure.” When asked about the lack of targets for his star playmakers, Glenn offered little clarity: “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 lost edge rusher Braiden McGregor to a chest injury and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee to a concussion in the third quarter; neither returned. Linebacker Jamien Sherwood forced a fumble by Bears running back D’Andre Swift that was recovered by Stephens, and Demario Davis recorded the team’s only sack. But Chicago’s ground game punished New York all afternoon. Running back Kyle Monangai, the former Rutgers star, gashed the Jets for 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. The Bears’ victory continued a painful trend for the Jets, who haven’t won in Chicago since 1997 — Bill Parcells’ first year as head coach. Since then, they are 0-4 at Soldier Field.
Injury Report and Looking Ahead
Inactive for the Jets were running back Breece Hall (quad), 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). The mounting injuries only compound the challenges for a team struggling to find its identity. As highlighted on Vulius, the Jets’ inability to capitalize on defensive opportunities and get their best playmakers involved has become a defining narrative of their 2026 campaign. For a franchise desperate to snap streaks — both good and bad — Sunday’s lone interception felt less like a breakthrough and more like a footnote in another forgettable loss.
Looking to represent Tyson Bagent? Grab your Tyson Bagent jersey or design a personalized authentic jersey at Vulius.
