The Gang Green made another step towards the playoffs as they defeated their archrival, the Miami Dolphins, 13-10.
Both teams struggled offensively in the scoreless first half, although the Jets had a chance to score a field goal but P Ben Graham mishandled the snap for the second week in a row.
The beginning of the third quarter did not look much better. Both teams once again kept going three and out on their possessions. Finally, a 28-yard pass interference penalty on WR Justin McCareins put New York inside Miami’s 15-yard line with about four minutes left in the quarter. The Jets got stopped on the 4-yard line but did come out with some points, 3-0.
Miami answered on the ensuing possession, moving the ball 73 yards on just seven plays. S Kerry Rhodes could not make a tackle on WR Randy McMichael and the Dolphins took a 7-3 lead. The Jets, however, quickly regained the lead on QB Chad Pennington’s 31-yard scoring pass to WR Jerricho Cotchery on the next New York’s drive. The defense stopped the Dolphins and it sure seemed like the Jets would cruise to victory with less than seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, as it always seem to happen with the New York Jets, a short punt by the Dolphins took a backward hop before deflecting off Jets blocker LB Brad Kassell, and Miami recovered at the Jets 42. Eight plays later they tied the game with 2:09 left. Luckily, on the next Jets’ play from scrimmage RB Leon Washington turned a short pass into a 64-yard gain. Four plays later PK Mike Nugent kicked the game-winning field goal.
QB Chad Pennington finished the game 14 of 29, 237 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. RB Kevan Barlow carried the ball 18 times for 36 yards. WR Jerricho Cotchery caught 4 passes for 50 yards, 1 TD. RB Leon Washington made 4 receptions for 108 yards.
S Erik Coleman made the team-high 9 tackles (6 solo). LB Jonathan Vilma also made 9 tackles (5 solo). DE/LB Bryan Thomas and LB Victor Hobson registered one sack apiece. S Rashad Washington and LB Eric Barton combined on another sack.
Next Sunday the Jets (9-6) will host the Oakland Raiders (2-13). If the Jets win, they will be in the playoffs. The kickoff is at 1:00 PM ET.