Brett Favre watched the game from the sidelines as another Brett, backup QB Brett Ratliff, threw two long touchdown passes to WR David Clowney (another former Packer) to beat the Cleveland Browns, 24-20.
CB Dwight Lowery made a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown with 10:02 left to cap New York’s comeback from a 10-point deficit. Then in the final five minutes of the game Lowery and CB Hank Poteat both intercepted passes to preserve the lead. Lowery also led the Jets with 7 solo tackles.
QB Kellen Clemens started the game for the Gang Green and completed 4 out of 6 passes for a total of 31 yards. The offensive line showed signs of improvement in pass protection, as Clemens seemed to have all day to throw every time he dropped back. It was totally different, however, in the run blocking department. Starting RB Thomas Jones gained only 11 yards on 4 carries. WR Laveranues Coles did not suit up for this game.
On the defensive side, pass coverage evidently struggled, while run defense seemed to have improved with the addition of DT Kris Jenkins in the middle. The defensive starters (minus David Harris and Shaun Ellis) played two full series, allowing a touchdown against starting QB Derek Anderson and creating a turnover against backup QB Brady Quinn. CB Justin Miller once again struggled in pass coverage (no surprise here really) - he was flagged for pass interference that lead to the Browns' touchdown. CB Darrelle Revis was beaten on the touchdown play. LB Eric Barton came up with an interception on the second Browns' possession.
CB Drew Coleman made two crucial defensive plays late in the game. LB Kenwin Cummings seemed to also have made an impact among players fighting to make this team. He finished with 4 tackles (3 solo) and also registered a sack. Cummings also made quite a few plays during the practice game last Saturday. DT Thomas Johnson also had a sack but made a crucial mistake late in the game, as he was called for roughing the passer on Cleveland's last possession.
QB Brett Ratliff made a big step towards making the squad - 14 of 20, 252 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, QB rating 145.8. Rookie QB Erik Ainge did not throw any passes, but will most likely see more playing time next week against the Redskins.
TE A.J. Schable was taken from the field on a stretcher after a head-to-head hit while trying to make a tackle on a kickoff return by the Browns early in the fourth quarter. QB Brett Favre spent the game listening to his new team's playcalling and chatting with various members of the squad. Hopefully, we'll get to see him on the field next week.