The New York Jets showed their rustiness initially after the bye week in a lackluster 26–14 home win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. After going down early, the Jets defense took advantage of Cincinnati number one QB Carson Palmer’s absence to limit the Bengals to only 171 yards on offense.
Palmer was actually the third-string QB for the Bengals on Sunday behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and brother Jordan Palmer. Carson Palmer missed his second game of the season with an elbow injury that typically affects baseball pitchers.
On the third play on offense for the Jets, QB Brett Favre was sacked by Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom, and Chinedum Ndukwe returned the resulting fumble 15 yards for a touchdown and a quick 7–0 lead.
Normal service was restored on the next Jets possession. Favre drove the Jets 47 yards in 10 plays, ending with an easy two-yard TD toss to Thomas Jones. The drive was set up by a 46-yard kickoff return by Leon Washington.
After that, the Jets D took over. In fact, Cincinnati didn’t get a first down until late in the second quarter.
But when they did, things started clicking. Out of nowhere, Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bengals scratched and clawed their way down the field in 14 plays, leading to a one-yard TD plunge by the QB.
At the half, the Jets led 17–14. The winless Bengals were within a field goal of the Jets despite clearly being second best on the field.
In the second half the Jets asserted their superiority once again. They could’ve put up more than nine points but for Favre throwing a couple of INTs. But Favre likes to roll the dice and more often than not, he wins. As he says, “You gotta go down swinging, within reason.”
The Jets D forced the Bengals to punt four times in the second half and they sacked Fitzpatrick five times, limiting the Bengals to 43 net yards rushing. You know they’ve done their job when the Bengals’ leading rusher is the QB.
“I don’t believe in ugly wins. I believe a win is a win. That one felt as good as any one I’ve been part of in recent memory,” said Favre in his post-game press conference.
Favre didn’t put up the big numbers this week, completing 25 of 33 passes for 189 yards with one TD and two INTs. Most important was Favre’s 76 percent completion percentage.
“If I can complete 25 to 30 balls to these guys…they’re going to break a few.
“I’m not here for stats. I’m here for wins.”
Favre discussed how the team overcame losing the turnover ratio and how the Bengals had taken the unbeaten Giants and talented Cowboys down to the wire. The Jets had achieved a balance in all three phases of the game, offense, defense, and special teams while acknowledging that it wasn’t their best performance on offense.
“Our defense played outstanding.”
Running back Thomas Jones, who scored three touchdowns talked about how this week’s game was very different from the 56–35 shootout against the Cardinals two weeks ago.
“I try to take advantage of my opportunities. I’m the type of back that can carry 25 to 30 times per game. That’s how I prepare mentally.” Jones didn’t get as much work as he prepared for but he made plays when he had to.
“We had to grind it out a little more this week.”
Special mention should also go to Leon Washington who, on special teams, returned two kicks for 65 yards.
Next up for the Jets (3–2) is a trip to the West coast to face the hapless Oakland Raiders (1–4) next Sunday. The Raiders were obliterated 34–3 by the New Orleans Saints. After that the Jets will host Kansas City who are also struggling at 1–4. So the Jets have a great opportunity to be 5–2 when they meet the Bills on Nov. 2.
Friends Read Free