While staring down the possibility of a fourth straight loss, the New York Jets clawed their way to a 17-12 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 5 to get to 2-3 on the season. It was not the prettiest win by any means, but the Green Gang won’t complain. After all, this was a team that desperately needed a positive result.
The Jets were favored heading into their Week 5 matchup despite the Browns’ 3-1 record. Cleveland’s early-season success may have been impressive, but the team could be in over its head.
Quarterback Geno Smith turned in a serviceable performance against the Browns, completing 17 of 30 pass attempts and throwing a touchdown. Smith came through when it mattered most, helping lead the Jets to a 10-point fourth quarter that propelled them to the lead and ultimately sealed the victory.
His offensive line once again struggled, allowing four sacks. Bringing their total to 16 sacks allowed in five games.
The Jets needed a big performance from wide receiver Garrett Wilson after he was silenced by the Bears in Week 4. The fifth-year receiver wasted no time making his presence felt, hauling in a 32-yard touchdown on the Jets’ opening drive. He ended his day with 104 yards on seven receptions and the Jets’ sole passing touchdown.
With Breece Hall still sidelined, backup running back Braelon Allen was tasked with getting the Jets’ ground game going to keep the Browns’ defense honest and take some pressure off the passing attack. Hall did just that, recording 116 yards on 24 carries and the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth. It marked the first time in his young career that he ran for 100+ yards in a single game.
The real highlight for the Green Gang was their defense, specifically their defensive linemen. The team held the Browns to just 198 total yards while giving up a single touchdown and two field goals. Led by defensive end David Bailey, who recorded three, the Jets sacked Browns’ quarterback Deshaun Watson a total of eight times.
Looking forward to Week 6, the Jets face their toughest battle yet in division rival New England Patriots.
After a slow start to the season, it appeared the Pats were headed towards a lost season with a Super Bowl hangover. But New England has completely flipped the switch the past two weeks. They currently hold a 3-2 record.
They have scored 29 and 45 points, respectively, in Weeks 4 and 5 against the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.
MVP runner-up Drake Maye had an incredible performance against the Raiders, completing 26 of 34 passes for 374 yards and throwing four touchdown passes in the blowout win. The quarterback also ran for 25 yards across seven carries and recorded a rushing touchdown.
Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is expected to make his long-awaited return against the Jets on Sunday. After missing four games on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, Brown is now eligible to return to the field. The Patriots’ offense struggled earlier in the season with Brown in the lineup, but Drake Maye found his groove in his absence. With Brown expected back, it remains to be seen whether Maye can maintain that momentum against the Jets.
The Patriots’ defense has continued to be inconsistent this season; the Jets will need to keep the pressure on in order to stay in the fight. It looks to be a high-scoring game, which will hopefully not be one-sided.
The Jets’ key to success this week will be to contain Drake Maye and the deep ball. Their offense ranks high in yards-per-play; despite their good week, they must limit the explosive plays.
Going on the road as 7.5-point underdogs will be an extremely tough challenge for the Jets, but they have a clear opportunity to pull off the upset and climb back to a .500 record.
For more on the Jets, visit AMNY.com
