The New York Jets were able to squeak out a win over the Buffalo Bills 27-20 last night at Metlife Stadium. This was not the best-executed game with the Jets committing 20 penalties, but as they say in the NFL; a win is a win and they will take it no matter how it comes (just ask the Giants).
With the Jets up 20-6 in the second half, EJ Manuel managed to bring his team back to tie the score at 20. Smith had another strong 4th quarter at home, and gave the Jets the lead that they would let relinquish on a 69-yard bomb to Santonio Holmes. Holmes played one hell of a football game, creating miss matches time and time again for the Bills defense. Holmes finished the game with a career high 154 yards receiving on 5-catches; none bigger than the 69-yard touchdown pass the proved to be the game winner. You have to feel happy for Holmes, who after a grueling foot injury looks like he is the playmaker he was when the Jets brought him in from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Geno Smith again showed his resilience, overcoming mental mistakes and 2 interceptions while outplaying Bills rookie quarterback EJ Manuel. The Jets passed twice on Manuel, with the 9th and 13th overall picks of 2013 NFL Draft. It is only 3 games into both of their careers, but it looks like the Geno and the Jets may have made the right decision. Geno have given a spark to this Jets team who were the laughing stock of the NFL all offseason and heading into the regular season. It looks like Rex and the Jets may be the last ones laughing.
Holmes, Stephen Hill and Bilal Powell all reached the century mark, amassing over 100-yards respectfully. Geno Smith also reached the 300-yard, finishing with 336-yards. The Jets amassed 513-yards of offense, marking the highest total in the Rex Ryan era. The defense also put up some pretty impressive numbers, finishing the game with 8 sacks. Defensive end Muhammed Wilkerson collected two sacks. Safety Antonio Allen, linebacker, linebacker David Harris, safety Dawan Landry, linebacker Calvin Pace and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson all recorded a sack as well. Under constant pressure, Manuel was hit a total of 16 times, going 19-of-42 for 243 yards.
A win helps improve everyone’s mood, but Rex Ryan had all the reason to be angry at the post game press conference. After committing 20 penalties and turning the ball over twice, thanks to a ‘W’, Rex was smiling and said “The thing that makes me most happy is that I know this team is going to get better. There’s no way we can’t. Twenty penalties? That’s on my shoulders, no question about it. I know we can get better. Just think how good we can be if we can eliminate all the penalties and turnovers.”
This was a crucial game for the Jets, as they stay on pace in the AFC East. The New England Patriots are 3-0, along with the Miami Dolphins. It looks like the AFC East will be competitive this year, and squeaking out victories like the Jets did yesterday afternoon will prove pivotal for their playoff hopes.
The Jets head to Tennessee next week to take on the 2-1 Titans. If the Jets do not win the division, this may become a crucial game for a wild card spot should both teams be in the hunt come seasons end.