While all eyes were on rookie Jets QB Mark Sanchez, it was the Jets defense that stole the show.
The mark of head coach Rex Ryan’s defense could be seen early and often as the Jets shut down the Houston Texans offense—supposedly one of the more explosive offenses in the league this year.
In the 24–7 victory on Sunday in Texas, the defense held Houston to just 183 total yards.
Running back Steve Slaton was kept in check with just 17 yards on nine carries while All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson was held to just 35 yards on four receptions.
“It’s just insane,” Slaton said of his team’s anemic offense in the post-game press conference. “You work for six months leading up to this first game. You have all off-season to prepare for this game and then to come out and play like that is upsetting.”
Quarterback Matt Schaub could never find a rhythm as he finished the day going 18 of 33 for 166 yards. The offense got past midfield just once through the first three quarters of play.
And all this was done without two defenses starters, as defensive end Shaun Ellis and linebacker Calvin Pace were both out due to suspension.
Linebacker David Harris had the biggest day on the defensive side of the ball recording 11 tackles and one sack.
Houston head coach Gary Kubiak blamed no one but himself for his offense’s putrid performance.
“The offensive football team gave us no chance and that starts with me,” Kubiak said.
Offense
While the defensive performance may have overshadowed the offense, the rookie quarterback showed he could lead the Jets to a bright future—and that future can begin this season.
Sanchez, 22, showed no signs of inexperience, as he looked calm and collected when leading the offense. He converted on several third downs early in the game. His mobility allowed him to elude the Texans pass rush.
“He’s able to move and bide a little extra time and again, this is why we took the guy,” Ryan said. “This is why we traded up to get him.”
The fifth overall pick finished the day 18 of 31 for 272 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Sanchez’s first ever touchdown pass in the NFL came at the 3:21 mark of the second quarter as he found a wide open Chansi Stuckey for a 30-yard touchdown, which gave New York a 10–0 lead.
His interception came at the 12:35 mark of the fourth quarter when Sanchez was looking for tight end Dustin Keller. He was picked off by safety John Busing on Houston’s 38-yard line, who returned the ball 14 yards before Keller caused him to fumble. But the ball was recovered by Texans safety Dominique Barber, who took it in for the touchdown making it a 17–7 game.
While such a mistake like could have been detrimental to a rookie’s confidence, it did not faze Sanchez or the Jets.
The Jets scored just two minutes later as running back Thomas Jones scampered for a 38-yard touchdown with 10:17 left in the fourth quarter putting the game out of reach.
After a slow start to the day, Jones finished the day with 107 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery had six catches for 90 yards while Keller grabbed four balls for a game high 94 yards.
New York has its home opener next week when they play host to AFC East foe New England next Sunday. The defense will have one of its toughest tests of the season against quarterback Tom Brady and his high-powered Patriots offense.
Matt Sugam also writes for The Daily Targum at Rutgers University.
