New York Jets End NFL-Record Interception Drought Against Chicago Bears
Quick Look
- The New York Jets recorded their first interception in 637 days, ending an NFL-record streak that began in the 2024 season and extended through the first three weeks of 2026.
- Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted a pass from Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent intended for tight end Colston Loveland during a second-and-12 play at the Jets' 35-yard line in Week 4 of the 2026 season.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The New York Jets had not recorded an interception since Week 18 of the 2024 season, when they intercepted Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley twice on January 5, 2025. This streak lasted 637 days and extended through the first three weeks of the 2026 season, setting an NFL record for the longest interception drought in league history.
The New York Jets' interception drought finally came to an end in Week 4 on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
New York became the first team in NFL history to finish a season with zero interceptions in 2025, the first year under current head coach Aaron Glenn. That NFL-record dry spell extended to 20 games through the first three weeks of 2026, but that run of futility is now over. After 637 days without one, the Jets finally recorded an interception on Sunday.
The Bears were driving, facing a second-and-12 at the Jets' 35 when Chicago fill-in quarterback Tyson Bagent's threw a play-action pass over the middle of the field intended for tight end Colston Loveland. New York five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick picked off the ball instead.
Bagent's throw possessed a slight wobble to it, which allowed Fitzpatrick to dart in front of Loveland and intercept the football. The last interception for the Jets came in Week 18 of the 2024 season when New York intercepted then-Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley. The Jets recorded two picks in that game on Jan. 5, 2025.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The New York Jets will record additional interceptions in the remainder of the 2026 season.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will the Jets be able to maintain improved defensive performance following this interception?
- How will this interception impact the Jets' defensive strategy moving forward in the 2026 season?
- What adjustments did the Chicago Bears make after this turnover in the game?
