Jay Feely kicked a 34-yard field goal on the first series of overtime after New England tied the game on Matt Cassel's 16-yard fourth-down pass to Randy Moss with one second left, and the Jets survived with a 34-31 win Thursday night in Foxboro, Mass.

"We talked during the week about the need to reload and finish the game," Jets coach Eric Mangini said, "and we did that."

The Jets (7-3) took sole possession of first place for the first time since Nov. 19, 2001. "It's a really positive step for our team," Mangini said.

The Patriots (6-4) have won the AFC East the last five seasons and six of the last seven.

The loss wasted a brilliant performance by Cassel, whose first pro start after Brady's season-ending knee injury in the opener came in a 19-10 win over the Jets.

Cassel completed 30-for-51 passes for 400 yards, all career highs, and three touchdowns. "It's not enough," he said.

Friendly advice: Chad Ocho Cinco is crediting Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb with helping him adjust his attitude at the start of training camp.

Ocho Cinco, who had spent the off-season criticizing the Bengals and broadly hinting that he would appreciate a trade, said McNabb helped convince him to put his teammates first, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Ocho Cinco, calling McNabb a close friend, said McNabb reminded him that while he might feel miserable, millions of people would gladly trade places with him.

"I blew his phone up," Ocho Cinco said. "Donovan really is one of the reasons why ... I've been as positive as I have been this year, and even though we're losing, man, I've just been plugging away."

Injury report: The sprained left knee of the NFL's second-best rusher, Clinton Portis, showed no improvement, and he appears unlikely to play Sunday night against the Cowboys. "I was hoping today that there would be a little more optimism, and there's not," Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. Ladell Betts appears set to start. ... Coach Jim Haslett figured the Rams would be without running back Steven Jackson (thigh) on Sunday. "I doubt if we'll have him," Haslett said.

Extra points: The Raiders made no announcement, but receiver Javon Walker said he is scheduled to have surgery on his left ankle. "I'm done for the season," Walker said. ... Imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick expects to return to the NFL, according to his bankruptcy attorneys who laid out a plan to pay creditors based on his anticipated earnings. ... Owner Jerry Jones "absolutely" believes the Cowboys will make the playoffs, isn't considering a coaching change and would welcome Adam Jones back to the team if he's reinstated.

Compiled by Ed Cavanaugh from Tribune news services.

Step into our huddle

Get Bears news plus views from our team of reporters at chicagotribune.com/huddleup