Smith Helps Jets End Losing Streak
Photo: Special to the NY Beaconh
By: Shara Talia Taylor
It could have been a different outcome as time wound down on the clock with teams close to goal, but the New York Jets defense stormed the field in the final moments of the game to stop the Cleveland Browns from scoring, get the ball back and secure a 17-12 victory during the rainy Sunday afternoon at MetLife stadium.
Weather related mishaps that seemed to effcct the Browns or penalties could have stopped the New York Jets, but everyone played their role to achieve a much needed win after three back-to-back losses. Quarterback Geno Smith led the team to the goal early in the game, defense made eight total quarterback sacks, the Browns lost a costly fumble recovered by the Jets, and running back Braelon Allen rumbled for a 22-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter all paved the way.
“I think we had a really good return that put us in position to get points,” said Head Coach Aaron Glenn about how complimentary football played a role in the win. “When you can do that with your special teams, then complement that with the offense controlling the ball, running the ball and being able to hit on some explosive passes and the defense getting three-and-outs and getting takeaways, that’s usually a sign for success.”
The Jets kicked off to the Browns who punted after four snaps, a possible foreshadow of the pressure to surmount from New York’s defense. The Jets scored on their first possession as Smith threw a short pass to Garrett Wilson who ran for a 32-yard touchdown.
“He’s Garrett Wilson,” Smith said. “We think he can do that every single week.”
The Jets offense quieted some, but defense held the Browns only to field goals in the first half of the game. Kicker Andre Szmyt kicked a field goal for Cleveland in the first quarter. Smith was sacked on New York’s next possession. The Jets led 7-3 going into the second, when Smith was sacked two additional times. Another field goal for the Browns and teams went to halftime with the Jets ahead 7-6. New York received seven penalties for 73-yards in the first half. Two penalties were for actions by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick during Cleveland’s second drive. The first was a face mask call as he pulled off the helmet of Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion taking him down. The next was an unnecessary roughness call as Fitzpatrick crashed into Concepcion’s side as he caught a pass midair, connecting helmets and sending him face down to the ground. Concepcion did not return to the game after the head injury.
“The penalties are something that we’ve got to clean up,” Coach Glenn said following the game.
It was a scoreless third quarter for both teams. Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq was injured in the third quarter when he was hit by Browns defenders Quincy Williams and Carson Schwesinger, after catching a pass. Coach Glenn announced after the game that he was is in NFL Concussion Protocol. Smith moved the offense downfield to start the fourth. He threw what could have been an interception, but was negated by a penalty. Unable to move closer, Sanders kicked a 54-yard field goal. The Browns responded with a touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to wide receiver Denzel Boston. Szmyt’s attempt for the extra point failed.
“You’re always going to experience weather, so you know I got to do my best to go out there and make the kicks when they send me out,” Szmyt said.
Browns punter Corey Bojorquez fumbled a snap on the team’s next possession that was recovered by the Jets, which led to the 22-yard touchdown run by running back Braelon Allen. The Jets defense was able to keep the Browns from scoring for the remainder of the game. Jets defensive end Will McDonald made the final stop, a strip-sack on 4th down in the Browns last possession. Smith then kneeled out.
Deshaun Watson completed 15 of 33 passes for 155 yards and threw zero interceptions. Smith completed 17 of 30 passes for 182 yards against the Brown and zero interceptions in the win.
“The conditions, you can’t control that,” Smith reflected when asked about how the weather impacted the game. “The only thing you can control is doing your part.”
Smith added he could have handled the ball better.
The Browns defense made four sacks, four forced fumbles and 65 combined tackles and assists. The Jets defense had four forced fumbles and 53 combined tackles and assists, seven each by leaders safety Dane Belton and defensive end David Bailey. Bailey also led the defense with three of their eight sacks.
“Just working together with my d-line, also the linebackers,” Bailey said was the key to him rushing Watson effectively. “Understanding what pressures are being called, where the pressure is coming from, and how that affects my approach.”
The Jets now have two wins and three losses for the season. They next faced the New England Patriots on the road.
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