EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Tom Brady was hobbled, yet efficient as ever with the game on the line and time on the clock.
Playing with an ailing knee, Brady tied Peyton Manning for most wins by a quarterback in NFL history, getting his 200th by throwing a go-ahead 8-yard touchdown pass to Malcolm Mitchell with 1:56 left, leading the New England Patriots to a 22-17 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.
It was the 50th time Brady has led a Patriots win while facing a fourth-quarter deficit or tie.
"The quarterback's job is to win," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He's won a lot. That's good. I'm glad he's our quarterback."
Trailing 17-16 with 5:04 left and the ball on the Patriots 17, Brady led a solid drive by completing six passes. After James White stretched for 4 yards on fourth-and-4, a 25-yard catch by Chris Hogan put the ball at the 8. Brady then zipped a pass to Mitchell to put the Patriots (9-2) ahead.
"We didn't play as well as we wanted to," Brady said, "but we made the plays when we needed to."
A 2-point conversion try by White was initially ruled good, but reversed on replay because the ball never crossed the goal line - giving the Jets (3-8) a final chance.
But Chris Long hit Ryan Fitzpatrick before he could throw, resulting in a fumble recovered by Trey Flowers.
The Patriots then ran out the clock to win the closely played game that had been flexed out of a prime-time spot. The teams have had a final margin of seven points or fewer in each of their last seven meetings.
"We've got to find a way to finish at the end of ballgames," Jets coach Todd Bowles said.
Patriots fans loudly chanted "Brady! Brady!" in the final moments at MetLife Stadium, which had lots of empty seats as frustrated Jets fans apparently stayed home. Brady improved to 22-6 in regular-season games against the Jets, joining Brett Favre as the only QBs in NFL history with at least 22 wins vs. two teams. Brady has 26 victories vs. Buffalo.
The New England Patriots take on the New York Jets in a regular season game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 27, 2016.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up before playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches players warm up before an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Clouds pass over MetLife Stadium before an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New England Patriots prepare to play against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft walks on the field before an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to throw against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass to running back Dion Lewis (33) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws under pressure from New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) during the first quarter of anNFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) avoids a tackle from New York Jets outside linebacker Darron Lee (50) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a timeout at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is tackled by New York Jets middle linebacker David Harris (52) and outside linebacker Darron Lee (50) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by New York Jets middle linebacker David Harris (52) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) comes down with a touchdown catch in front of New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) celebrates with running back James White (28) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) is tackled by New York Jets free safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) and cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) as New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) tries to block during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) motions for a first down after running the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) breaks a tackle by New York Jets cornerback Buster Skrine (41) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) is tackled by New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) huddles with teammates during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws under pressure from New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) slaps hands with center David Andrews (60) ash he jogs off the field during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday against the New York Jets, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New England Patriots celebrate a missed field goal by the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) kicks a field goal against the New York Jets during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) makes a touchdown catch against New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) is congratulated by New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch (97) after kicking a field goal against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) reacts after dropping a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring a 2-point conversion against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) gets a hand on the ball as New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots recovered the ball on the fumble. The Patriots won 22-17.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) reacts after recovering a fumble by the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) is congratulated by teammates after recovering a fumble by the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) is congratulated by teammates after recovering a fumble by the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) is congratulated by teammates and coaches after forcing a fumble on New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles, left, and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick meet at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) after playing in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws under pressure from the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) talks with New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) after playing in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) walks off the field after playing in an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) answers questions during a news conference after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick finishes answering questions at a news conference after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) steps into the interview room for a news conference after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) answers questions during a news conference after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots won 22-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
It was the 500th win in franchise history for the Patriots, the first original AFL franchise to reach the mark.
Brady, who was questionable with a knee injury , wasn't his usual spectacular self, but finished 30 of 50 for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Mitchell caught five passes for 42 yards and two touchdowns.
Fitzpatrick, back as the starter after missing New York's last game with a sprained knee, was 22 of 32 for 269 yards.
"Playing against the Patriots, you don't have to play the perfect game," Fitzpatrick said, "but you can't make mistakes."
The Jets had taken a 17-13 lead with 10:17 left when Quincy Enunwa leaped over Malcolm Butler in the end zone to grab a pass from Fitzpatrick. The wide receiver's right foot came down inbounds and while his left foot never touched the ground, his backside did.
It was initially called an incomplete pass, but Bowles challenged and the call was reversed for a 22-yard touchdown.
Stephen Gostkowski's 41-yard field goal cut the Patriots' deficit to 17-16.
BRADY'S BUNCH
New England took advantage of a Jets turnover in the second quarter when Robby Anderson caught a pass and gained 25 yards, but had the ball punched out of his hands by Devin McCourty.
Butler recovered, and Brady went to work. He completed an 18-yard pass to Julian Edelman, joining Manning (71,940), Favre (71,838), Drew Brees (64,180) and Dan Marino (61,361) as the only players with 60,000 yards passing. Brady is now at 60,229.
A 15-yard run by Dion Lewis got the ball to the 5 and he added a 1-yard run. On the next play, Brady fumbled the snap but recovered and fired a pass to Mitchell for the tying score.
GRONK HURT
New England tight end Rob Gronkowski left the game late in the first quarter with a back injury. He had been uncertain to play after missing last week's game with a chest injury. It was not immediately certain if the latest injury was connected to the previous one.
Gronkowski had no catches when he left.
BLOCK AND A MISS
Nick Folk had a 54-yard attempt blocked by Alan Branch that was recovered by Dont'a Hightower with 1:58 left in the opening half, giving Brady and the Patriots the ball at their 46.
New England got to the 21, but the Patriots opted to not use a timeout. After an incompletion to Mitchell in the end zone, Gostkowski's 39-yard attempt was wide left, leaving the game tied at halftime.
Gostkowski kicked a 29-yarder midway through the third quarter, giving New England a 13-10 lead.
BACK IN THE END ZONE
Brandon Marshall's first touchdown catch since Oct. 9 against Pittsburgh gave New York a 10-0 lead 4 seconds into the second quarter.
UP NEXT
Patriots: vs. Los Angeles next Sunday.
Jets: vs. Indianapolis next Monday night.
