The Patriots and Jets used to hate each other.
Bill Belichick famously spurned New York back in 2000, immediately joining the other side of the rivalry and bringing six championships to New England. Eric Mangini ignited the entire “Spygate” saga back in 2007. Bart Scott gave his infamous “can’t wait” speech following the Jets’ playoff upset victory over the Patriots in 2010. Wes Welker… well, he just wanted to make fun of Rex Ryan’s foot fetish.
New England and New York used to be one of the premier rivalries in the NFL, but recent drama surrounding each team has seemingly mitigated the ill-will felt on either side — but not for Mike Onwenu.
“I’m sure a lot of young players are pretty neutral, but I’ve been here a while, and I still feel the same way. It’s always ‘(expletive) ’em’, and just go about it that way.” Onwenu said, per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. “It’s a rivalry game. It’s not just another game.”
Onwenu shouldn’t have much of a reason to hate the Jets, as he won his first seven matchups against the club. However, losing each of the last two must have brought up negative feelings.
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The Patriots will hope he can help turn those feelings into a win Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Featured image via /NESN Liam Barrett
