What looked like one of the best comebacks in the New York Jets history turned out to be one of the worst officiating decisions of the 2006 NFL season. QB Chad Pennington threw an excellent pass into the end zone to TE Chris Baker on a 4th and 4 late in the fourth quarter. The latter caught the ball and was clearly pushed out of bounds, which prevented him from landing in the end zone. Touchdown!!! The game officials, however, thought otherwise, as the pass was ruled incomplete, leaving the Jets with their fourth loss of the season, 20-13.
The start of this game sure looked promising, as the Gang Green marched down the field on their first possession. Unfortunately, the 16-play drive got stalled on yet another tricky play with Brad Smith at quarterback – something that the Browns were definitely prepared for. The Jets had to settle for a field goal and took a 3-0 lead. The Browns quickly responded with a field goal of their own, tying the game, 3-3. The following Jets’ possession ended with a deflection and an interception inside the Browns’ territory.
Cleveland turned the game in their favor five minutes into the second quarter when they scored a touchdown and took a 10-3 lead. Later in the quarter the Gang Green had a chance to cut the lead to four points, but PK Mike Nugent’s 52-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right. The Browns, however, returned the favor when they missed a 26-yard attempt three minutes later.
As the second half began, Cleveland quickly moved the ball inside the Jets’ territory, following a great kickoff return that placed the ball on the Browns’ 43-yard line. Five running plays and a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow Jr. was all it took for the Browns to extend their lead to 17-3. The situation became even gloomier for the Gang Green when RB Leon Washington fumbled the ball on the Jets’ 10-yard line, giving the Browns an excellent opportunity to put this game out of reach. The defense held off and the Browns managed to come out with just a field goal, 20-3. CB Justin Miller once again came up big on special teams, returning the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, 20-10.
Early in the fourth quarter PK Mike Nugent redeemed himself by converting a 47-yard field goal attempt, 20-13. The Jets’ defense made three excellent stoppages in a row and put Chad Pennington and Co. in a position to tie this game. Pennington and Co. did their job as well only to see their amazing last minute drive end on a horrible mistake by the referees.
QB Chad Pennington finished the game 11 of 28 for just 108 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT. His quarterback rating was an abysmal 21.1. RB Leon Washington carried the ball 15 times for 51 yards. WR Jerricho Cotchery made the team-high 5 catches for 43 yards.
LB Eric Barton led the defense with 10 tackles (9 solo) and 1 sack. DE/LB Bryan Thomas and CB Drew Coleman registered one sack apiece. Rookie S Eric Smith had an interception – the first one of his career.
The Jets have a bye next Sunday and will take on the New England Patriots on November 12th.