The Jets secured a 27–20 home victory over the Browns in East Rutherford, N.J., marking their second straight win and perhaps signalling some momentum for a team that has struggled this season. New York Jets+4CBS Sports+4New York Jets+4
🏈 Game Highlights
1. Special teams spark the win
The Jets started with massive plays from special teams:
- On the kickoff after the Browns’ first score, Kene Nwangwu took a 99-yard return to the house. CBS Sports+2New York Jets+2
- Seconds later, Isaiah Williams returned a punt 74 yards for another touchdown. New York Jets+1
These two return touchdowns came in the first quarter and gave the Jets a huge early boost — their first time ever in franchise history achieving both in the same game. New York Jets+1
2. Offense gets key moment via Breece Hall
While the Jets’ offense was largely quiet, Hall broke loose in the fourth quarter:
- He caught a screen pass from Justin Fields and took it 42 yards for the go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth. CBS Sports+1
- He finished with 83 rushing yards and led the team in receiving yardage that day. New York Jets+1
3. Defensive surge led by Will McDonald IV
The Jets’ defense came up big with a season-high collective effort:
- McDonald notched four sacks, tying the franchise single-game sack record. New York Jets+1
- The unit forced enough pressure and induced Browns errors to preserve the lead late.
4. Late-game tilt and Browns mistakes
- With the Jets clinging to a 27–17 lead, the Browns added a field goal to make it 27–20 with under three minutes remaining. ESPN.com+1
- On the ensuing possession, Cleveland was penalised for defensive holding on third-and-16, giving the Jets a crucial first down. Shortly after, a neutral-zone infraction sealed the game for New York. Cleveland Browns+1
✅ Why this win matters
- For the Jets (now 2-7) this is their second win in a row, something they hadn’t done earlier in the season. CBS Sports+1
- Despite offensive struggles (169 total yards for the Jets) the special teams and defense did enough to win. ESPN.com+1
- For the Browns, this one stings: despite out-gaining the Jets (278 to 169 yards) and no turnovers, they still lost — largely due to special teams breakdowns and late penalties. SI
⚠️ Things to watch
- Can the Jets replicate the special teams success? These kinds of plays aren’t sustainable on expectation alone.
- Will the offense step up beyond the big plays by Hall, especially as they look to face tougher upcoming opponents?
- For the Browns: special teams and discipline must improve dramatically if they want to turn things around.
