Jets' Defense Dominates Browns in Gritty 17-12 Victory
Despite offensive struggles and a key special teams miscue, New York's defense delivered a historically strong performance to secure the win.
The New York Jets defense delivered a formidable performance, sacking Deshaun Watson eight times in their 17-12 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. This sack total matches the third-most in a single game in franchise history, highlighting the defensive unit's dominance.
While the offense found ways to score, running back Braelon Allen emerged as a key offensive player, rushing for a career-best 116 yards and a touchdown. Allen's 22-yard run in the fourth quarter proved to be the go-ahead score, breaking a tie and giving the Jets the lead for good. He carried the ball 24 times in the absence of Breece Hall, who was sidelined for the second consecutive game.
The game was not without its challenges. A critical special teams error occurred late in the fourth quarter when Browns punter Corey Bojorquez mishandled a high snap from Rex Sunahara, leading to a botched punt that ultimately contributed to the Jets' game-winning touchdown. Earlier, kicker Andre Szmyt missed a crucial extra point.
Rookie defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. also had a notable performance, recording his first career sack in the fourth quarter, deflecting two passes, and totaling four tackles. His contributions came as part of a defense that pressured Watson throughout the game.
Jets receiver Garrett Wilson acknowledged the challenging conditions, stating, "We knew the weather was gonna be ugly. It was gonna be s–tty. Like, that’s the Jets. That’s the MetLife. That’s how it is. It rains up here. So we’re ready for it, right, and to get a win in it is big."
The Jets' defensive success in sacking Watson is their best output since recording eight sacks in 2024 against the Houston Texans. The franchise record for sacks in a game is 10.