New York Jets Win Ugly to Move to 9-5
It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t even pretty. But, the New York Jets found a way to win in the end, topping the Dallas Cowboys and running their record to 9-5.
Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets quarterback
(14) throws during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
30. Final. 16. 123. 19
The New York Jets do not control their own destiny. They could run the table, finish 11-5, yet be on the outside of the playoff picture due to tiebreakers. But, they had to get the job done against the Cowboys to keep the pace.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Jets did what they had to do late, and came away with a 19-16 win in Big D on Saturday.
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The Jets did what they have done for most of the year, started out slowly. The offense couldn’t get it going consistently for three quarters of this game. The speed of the Dallas defensive line gave the Jets fits. Aside from the Bilal Powell TD, the first half was pretty uneventful from the Jets’ perspective.
Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
(88) and New York Jets cornerback
(24) argue during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Turnovers kept the Jets in the game. The Cowboys could have been winning this one big, but their offense couldn’t get it going either. A Darrelle Revis interception early, bookended by a clinching interception from Marcus Williams marked a four turnover night for the Jets’ defense. Kellen Moore made his NFL debut, and he did lead the Cowboys to their only touchdown, but he was also picked off three times.
On this night, the Jets’ defense picked up the offense.
Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver
(81) runs with the ball after catching a pass during the first half of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The offense was in position to take over the game as the fourth quarter rolled around, and the offense got it done when they had to. The Jets took over with 14:05 to go in the game, and marched the ball on a nine play, 70 yard drive, capped off by a touchdown from Ryan Fitzpatrick to Eric Decker. Quincy Enunwa made a huge play to set up the touchdown, catching a pass over the middle for 24 yards, setting the Jets up first and goal from the Dallas’ three yard line.
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The Cowboys did tie the game up, but the Jets got the ball back with 1:55 to go and all three timeouts. A connection with Kenbrell Thompkins set them up deep, and Randy Bullock connected from 40 yards out to give the Jets the lead. Marcus Williams‘ interception clinched the win, and the Jets are 9-5, very much in the thick of the playoff race.
The Jets have New England and Buffalo left, and need some help. Jets’ fans are now officially fans of whomever plays the Chiefs or the Steelers.