New York Jets: Report Card vs. Browns in Week 5
The New York Jets improved to a surprising 3-2 on the season with a lackluster 17-14 triumph over the Cleveland Browns Sunday. Here is their report card.
Don’t look now but the New York Jets are 3-2 and tied for first in the AFC East. After a very lethargic start, Gang Green parlayed a pair of pair of second half touchdown passes from Josh McCown to defeat the winless Cleveland Browns, 17-14, Sunday afternoon at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland. The Browns slipped to 0-5.
After a first half that may have set football back 20 years (the fault of both teams), the Jets did just enough to hang on and edge the hapless home squad. Their victory set up a showdown for first place with the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium in Week 6.
It wasn’t pretty by any means. In fact, this contest was downright ugly. With that being said, let’s take a look at New York’s report card:
Offense
Aside from their eight-play, 97-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter that culminated on McCown’s 24-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Kearse, New York’s offense was pretty abysmal for the most part. Bilal Powell (two carries, five yards) left the game late in the second quarter with a calf injury, but the offensive line did not open up any holes all game long.
In fact, the Jets were held to a meager 34 yards rushing. That’s pitiful. McCown was his usual steady but unspectacular self (23-of-30, 194 yards, two touchdowns, one interception), but did lead that 97-yard march that gave the winners a 17-7 lead.
Tight end Austin Seferain-Jenkins continued to shine in John Morton’s offensive scheme with six receptions for 29 yards and a two-yard touchdown catch. He looks like a new man this season and gives New York a red zone threat they have not had for several years now.
Aside from that, there was very little to be excited about. New York had only 212 yards of total offense and converted just 4-of-12 third down opportunites. McCown was sacked three times and the offensive line had a very poor game. The Jets were very lucky to win this one.
Grade: D