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Last-second punt return TD helps Patriots stun Jets
New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Controversial last-second punt return TD helps Patriots stun Jets

The New England Patriots stunned the New York Jets on Sunday, 10-3 , thanks to a last-second punt return touchdown by rookie Marcus Jones

Jones returned a Nick Folk punt 84 yards for the go-ahead score with only five seconds remaining on the fourth quarter clock, helping the Patriots improve to 6-4. 

The rookie's late-game heroics didn't come without controversy, however. Replays show that officials missed a potential penalty against the Patriots on the return. As Jones crossed the 50-yard line, Mack Wilson appeared to commit a block-in-the-back against Jets' defensive back Justin Hardee. 

While the Jets wonder what could've been, Jones and the Patriots are celebrating a rare NFL feat. 

According to Pro Football Reference, Jones' punt-return score was only the third since 1994 to come with less than 30 seconds remaining on the game clock. 

It's Jones' first special teams' touchdown as a pro, but he entered the NFL with the necessary skill set coming out of Houston. As Dane Brugler of The Athletic pointed out, Jones finished his collegiate career with nine touchdown returns, including three punt return scores to hold a share of the all-time NCAA record. 

Speaking with reporters after the game, Jones didn't hype himself up, instead choosing to give thanks for a big win over an AFC East foe. 

"I'm happy definitely for the divisional win, so that's the main thing right now," Jones said. "Now, I'm on to the next week. I'm one of those people."

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