Grogan TD Fakes Out Patriots Too

Steve Grogan wanted complete deception on his bootleg Sunday, so he decided to fake out his own team too.

The New England quarterback scored on a three-yard run with 3:27 remaining to give the Patriots a 20-13 win and snap the New York Jets’ five-game winning streak.

Grogan called for a handoff to Tony Collins in the huddle, but faked the ball to the running back and sprinted untouched into the left corner of the end zone.

“He didn’t call it in the huddle, he just went out and did it,” center Pete Brock said. “Only Collins and (receiver Stanley) Morgan knew about it.”

Grogan, an 11-year veteran playing in place of starter Tony Eason who separated his shoulder last week, calls all his own plays.

“Sometimes you have to gamble and take chances,” he said. “This time it worked.”

With the score tied, 13-13, Grogan put New England on the Jets’ six-yard line with a 47-yard pass to Stanley Morgan. After Craig James gained three yards, Grogan made his move.

Grogan, starting for the first time since Sept. 16, 1984, completed only 11 of 32 passes for 171 yards but had several long passes dropped.

His keeper was New England’s first rushing touchdown since the season opener and boosted the Patriots to 4-3. The Jets dropped into a tie with the Miami Dolphins for first place in the AFC East at 5-2.