Patriots Almost End Jets’ Playoff Hopes, 6-3 : AFC: New York loses for third consecutive time but still has shot at a wild-card berth.

The New York Jets were lucky in defeat Sunday.

Despite losing, 6-3, to the New England Patriots, the Jets stayed in the race for a playoff spot because Miami lost to San Diego.

New York (7-8), which has lost three consecutive games, plays Miami (8-7) next week. If the Jets win, they would gain a wild-card berth in the playoffs.

On Sunday, the Jets missed two short field goals and quarterback Ken O’Brien’s passes often sailed in gusts of up to 30 m.p.h.

“The wind is something you have to deal with,” said O’Brien, who completed 19 of 38 passes for 161 yards. “You’ve got to go on and do it. This is the Northeast in winter time, and it will be windy. You have to get used to it and do it.”

The Patriots did not handle the wind much better, but Charlie Baumann kicked two field goals, and got help from New York’s receivers, who dropped several crucial passes.

“I don’t know if the pressure got to us or what,” New York’s Brad Baxter said. “We had the ball and we had the opportunities. Somebody has to make a big play.”

New England, 1-15 last year, moved to 6-9 in its first season under Coach Dick MacPherson. Leonard Russell gained 112 yards in 26 carries and Hugh Millen completed 11 of 20 passes for 116 yards for the Patriots.

The Jets dominated the opening half, even though O’Brien did not complete any of his first eight passes. They had drives of 75, 64 and 54 yards, but came away with only three points.