The New York Jets won their second game in a row as they defeated the Detroit Lions, 31-24, and solidified their second-place position in the AFC East standings.
The Gang Green got off to a good start, scoring on their first two possessions in the first quarter. RB Leon Washington scored on a 5-yard TD run less than two minutes into the game and the Jets took a 7-0 lead. Later in the first quarter QB Chad Pennington connected with WR Justin McCareins on a 44-yard play action TD pass.
As the second quarter began, Detroit answered with a scoring drive of their own. It took the Lions just 7 plays to match 86 yards down the field and cut the score to 14-7. On the ensuing kickoff CB/KR Justin Miller returned the ball 56 yards and into the Lions’ territory, instantly putting the Jets close to field goal range. Just six plays later RB Kevan Barlow rumbled into the end zone, extending the Jets’ lead to 21-7. In the final two minutes of the second quarter New York had an excellent chance to widen the gap but Pennington’s pass was intercepted on the Lions’ 2-yard line.
In the third quarter the Lions cut the lead to 10 points when they converted a 25-yard field goal.
At the start of the fourth quarter the Gang Green brought their lead back to 14 points when PK Mike Nugent scored a 33-yard field goal, 24-10. The Lions quickly responded with their second touchdown drive of the game, 24-17. The Jets felt that they needed a score on their next possession, as it was becoming obvious that the Jets’ defense was getting tired. The Gang Green did just that. Pennington and co. moved the ball into the Lions’ territory where RB Leon Washington capped the drive with a 16-yard touchdown run, 31-17. Detroit scored another touchdown later in the quarter but failed to recover an onside kick to get the ball back.
QB Chad Pennington finished the game 16 of 22 for 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. RB Leon Washington had the best game of his short NFL career as he ran for 129 yards on 20 carries and scored two touchdowns. RB Kevan Barlow added 49 yards and 1 touchdown, as the Jets amassed 221 yards on the ground – their best output this season. WR Jerricho Cotchery led the team with 7 receptions for 79 yards.
LB Jonathan Vilma made the team-high 11 tackles (6 solo) and one interception. S Erik Coleman made 10 tackles (9 solo). DT Dewayne Robertson registered the only Jets’ sack of the game and added 6 tackles (4 solo). S Kerry Rhodes also had an interception.
Next week the Jets will travel to Cleveland to take on the Cleveland Browns (1-5). The kickoff time is at 4:15 PM EST.