The New York Jets fought hard but the outcome remained unchanged - just like in the previous five weeks the Gang Green came up short, 20-23. This time it was the run defense that let them down, allowing 296 yards against the Washington Redskins.
The Kellen Clemens era kicked off with yet another masterful kickoff return by RB Leon Washington. He returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and set a new franchise record with his third kickoff touchdown of the season. The Skins answered with a field goal and then we finally got to see QB Kellen Clemens take his offense onto the field. Yes, for the first time, it was really HIS offense. Clemens showed a lot of poise and looked extremely confident for a second time starter. Slowly but surely he was moving the team down the field, converting one third down after another, including a 3rd and 7 completion to TE Chris Baker, who finally got involved in the offense outside of the goal line. The possession ended with a sack on a third down and the Gang Green had to settle for a field goal, 10-3.
In the second quarter the Jets extended their lead to 17-3 when Clemens connected with FB Joe Kowalewski for a 1-yard score. The Redskins answered with another field goal, making the score 17-6, and then went for an unexpected onside kick. Washington recovered and fortunately managed to get just another 3 points out of it, 17-9. The Jets still had about a minute to increase their lead and Clemens moved them to Washington’s 36-yard line but PK Mike Nugent’s field goal attempt was short.
In the third quarter Washington converted another field goal attempt, 17-12, and had a chance to score more but LB Eric Barton’s interception stopped them deep inside the Jets’ territory.
The Jets took over on their 20-yard line, moved the ball sixty yards down the field, but on a 3rd and 7 early in the fourth quarter WR Jerricho Cotchery fumbled and the Gang Green missed another opportunity to extend their lead. The Redskins answered with a powerful running attack that the Jets had no answer for all game long. It took them just six plays to move the ball for 64 yards and take the lead for the first time in this game. The ensuing two-point conversion was successful and the Gang Green found themselves three points behind, 20-17. With a bit over five minutes remaining in the quarter the Jets took over at their 25-yard line and Kellen Clemens again showed that he was definitely capable of leading this time. Showing good poise and decision-making, Clemens down after down moved the team down the field and in scoring range. When he was unable to find open receivers, it was his legs that unexpectedly were gaining so needed yards. Unfortunately, the drive got stalled on the Skins’ 11-yard line and the Jets came out with yet another field goal, 20-20.
The Jets won the overtime coin toss and on the very first play from scrimmage Clemens hooked up with Jerricho Cotchery for 39 yards. The Jets were on Washington’s 42-yard line and just a few yards from Mike Nugent’s range. But two incomplete passes that followed ended the drive with a scoreless outcome. The Redskins, on the other hand, just kept pounding the ball on the ground against the tired Jets’ defense. When the Gang Green finally stopped them, they were already in field goal range… 23-20.
Clemens had a pretty good game – 23 of 42 for 226 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs. But the lack of running game and totally atrocious run defense were of no help. RB Thomas Jones gained only 49 yards on 13 carries, which was just one yard more than Kellen Clemens (48 yards on 7 carries). The absence of WR Laveranues Coles also played its role. WR Brad Smith, who started in place of Coles, caught 4 passes for 27 yards. TE Chris Baker finally made some noise – 4 receptions for 42 yards. On defense MLB David Harris had another monstrous game – 24 tackles (20 solo). LB Eric Barton had a sack in addition to his interception.
The Jets have a bye next weekend and then will host the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 18th. The kickoff time is at 4:05 PM EST.