The New York Jets improved to 9-3, as they defeated the Houston Texans 29-7 with just four games left in regular season. The return of QB Chad Pennington put the Jets' offense back on track and opened up the running game, which produced 202 yards on the ground.
The game began with an impressive drive by the Texans that ended on the Jets' 33-yard line when Houston decided to go for it on fourth down instead of kicking a long field goal. The Jets took over on downs and drove 44 yards on 9 plays only to score a field goal. On their second drive the Texans once again easily penetrated into New York's territory only to have their drive stopped on yet another bold decision to go for it on 4th down. The Jets took over on their own 37-yard line, moved the ball 65 yards down the field but had to settle for a field goal again. Although, seeing how well the Texans were moving the football, it was pretty obvious that the 6-0 score wouldn't stay long. On their next possession Houston marched 71 yards down the field and took a 7-6 lead on a 2-yard touchdown run. There was still almost five minutes left in the 2nd quarter and plenty of time for the Jets to respond. The Jets, however, almost put themselves in a much deeper hole when Chad Pennington's pass was intercepted and returned to the Gang Green's 36-yard line. Luckily, Pennington's counterpart, QB David Carr, quickly returned the favor, as his pass was picked off by CB David Barrett.
This struggle continued almost until the middle of the third quarter when a questionable decision by the officials to nullify penalty on a 46-yard return by WR Santana Moss instantly put the Jets inside Houston' 5-yard line. On the ensuing play RB Curtis Martin rumbled into the end zone and the Jets took the lead, 13-7. In the fourth quarter the Gang Green increased the lead to 19-7 when Chad Pennington connected with Curtis Martin on a 5-yard touchdown pass, ending a 12-play, 80-yard drive that lasted over six minutes. If Houston still had any hopes to make a comeback, these hopes were quickly erased by S Erik Coleman who intercepted David Carr's pass and returned it inside Houston's territory. Five plays later Pennington found TE Anthony Becht in the end zone, as the Jets put the game away, 26-7. Later PK Doug Brien added a field goal, setting the final score, 29-7.
RB Curtis Martin gained 134 yards on 23 rushing attempts, and also added 4 receptions for a total of 20 yards. RB LaMont Jordan rushed for 60 yards on 11 carries. QB Chad Pennington finished the game 20 of 27, 155 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT. Chad also gained 16 yards on the ground, including a crucial 11-yard run for a first down. FB Jerald Sowell made the team-high 5 receptions for 38 yards.
On defense DE Shaun Ellis and DT Dewayne Robertson led the team with 6 tackles apiece. CB David Barrett had an excellent game for the second week in a row. This time Barrett made an interception and also defended 3 passes. As did rookie S Erik Coleman - also 1 INT, 3 passes defended. DT James Reed recorded 2 sacks.
Next Sunday the Jets will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the 10-1 Steelers. The kickoff is at 4:05 PM EST.