EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Brett Favre was at his dazzling best after a miserable start that put the Vikings in a hole.
There would be no classic comeback this time, though, for the record-breaking quarterback.
Hit hard early and often by Rex Ryan’s physical defense, Favre nearly led the Vikings back with a milestone night, but Dwight Lowery returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown with 1:30 left as the Jets beat the Vikings 29-20 on Monday night in a game that was delayed 45 minutes at the start by lightning.
Lacking fireworks early, Nick Folk kicked five field goals for the Jets (4-1), including two after fumbles by Favre, who finished 14-of-34 for 264 yards.
The 41-year-old quarterback became the first NFL player to throw 500 touchdown passes and for 70,000 yards, but two early fumbles against his former team helped put the Vikings (1-3) in a 12-0 hole.
Favre threw three touchdown passes, including two to Percy Harvin — the second bringing the Vikings within two points with 3:09 left in the game. Favre and the Vikings’ offense had the ball with 1:43 remaining and poised for a winning drive — until Favre’s last big mistake.
He connected with new teammate Randy Moss from 37 yards out late in the third quarter to cut the Jets’ lead to 12-7. Favre zipped down the field and jumped into Moss’ arms in the end zone to celebrate the score.
Less than five minutes later, Favre hit Harvin for a 34-yard touchdown that made it 15-13 with 12:47 left. But Favre’s tying two-point conversion try was intercepted by Antonio Cromartie in the end zone.
Moss finished with four catches for 81 yards, including the touchdown.
