CHICAGO — The New York Jets ended a lengthy interception drought during their 23-12 loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday, with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick securing the first pick for the team since the start of the 2024 season.

Fitzpatrick’s interception of Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent came in the second quarter, breaking a streak of 20 consecutive games without a takeaway, which spanned 535 passing attempts. The Jets’ last interception prior to Sunday was recorded by Ashtyn Davis, who is no longer with the team. Davis had two interceptions in the final game of the 2024 season before departing.

Despite the relief at ending the streak, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn downplayed the significance, emphasizing the team’s focus on improving after the loss. “We got an interception. Great. But we lost the game. That’s what I’m thinking about — how we get better,” Glenn said.

Fitzpatrick, who returned after missing two games due to a groin injury, described the interception as a bittersweet moment. “You wanted to be able to celebrate when you break a negative streak like that, but when you finish the game that we finished, there’s no real reason to celebrate,” he said.

The Jets had three additional interceptions during the game that were negated by penalties. Defensive tackle D’Vondre Sweat’s first-quarter interception was nullified by a penalty for illegal hands to the face against Azarey’h Thomas. A pick by cornerback Brandon Stephens was overturned due to an offside penalty called on linebacker Demario Davis, who acknowledged the mistake as a significant mental error. In the fourth quarter, rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted a pass, but the turnover was rescinded after a defensive holding penalty on Ponds.

“That’s the frustration — when you create opportunities but can’t capitalize because of penalties,” Glenn said. “We have to get better.”

Offensively, receiver Garrett Wilson, who had a standout performance in the previous game against Detroit, was targeted only four times and recorded three catches for 27 yards. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq also had four targets but failed to make a reception. Wilson expressed frustration over the limited opportunities but remained focused on making plays when the ball reached him. “I take a lot of pride in making a play when the ball does come my way,” he said.

Glenn acknowledged the need to review the game film to understand why Wilson and Sadiq received so few targets and highlighted Wilson’s importance to the offense. “We have to find a way to get him the ball. He’s one of the engines that gets us going,” Glenn said.

The Jets also suffered setbacks on defense with the loss of edge rusher Braiden McGregor to a chest injury and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee exiting with a concussion, both in the third quarter. Neither player returned.

Despite the outcome, linebacker Jamien Sherwood made a notable play by forcing a fumble from Bears running back D’Andre Swift, which was recovered by Stephens. Demario Davis recorded the team’s only sack.

The Jets’ struggles with turnovers and penalties continue to hamper their efforts as they seek to improve consistency on both sides of the ball.