NY Jets 24
Cleveland 21
The New York Jets (1-1) bounced back after a tough week 1 loss to right the ship with a 24-21 win over the Cleveland Browns (0-2).
Sam Darnold showed flashes of the franchise quarterback New York believes he is by engineering a 4th quarter drive to take the lead late. Darnold called his own number on a 4th and goal, running it in himself untouched on a quarterback draw.
"I liked what I saw when I got to the line. We ran a hurry up offense there that didn't let them get their goal line personnel on the field. The middle of the field was wide open so I decided to take it in myself."
Duke Johnson was unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 121 yards and a TD on 17 carries, but coughed up a crucial fumble that led to a defensive score by the Browns.
"Ball security man. We almost lost the game because of that play. Those yards mean nothing without a W."
Defensively, the Jets squad looked stronger than their outing against the Bills last week, holding the Browns offense to 287 total offensive yards including only 19 rushing.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was happy with the improved effort but focused on his teams need to eliminate big plays.
"I thought we executed much better out there tonight but we can't let guys get behind us. We put a ton of pressure on our O when we gave up that big play to Odell. I mean he's an elite player, but he can't be that open. We'll shore things up. Overall I think we took a huge step in the right direction."
New York plays their second division game in three weeks next Sunday on the road in Foxborough against the New England Patriots.
Buffalo 34
NY Giants 24
The Buffalo Bills (2-0) continued their positive start to the season with a 34-24 victory over the New York Giants (1-1) in the Meadowlands.
Todd Gurley was absolutely electric, rushing for 229 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. No run was more important than his 68 yard rush late in the 4th quarter after the Giants pulled to within three points.
"You know in that situation we are just trying to get them to burn their timeouts and get a first down then take a knee. When I hit the hole I saw nothing but daylight so I just kept running. I couldn't have had a day like today without our offensive line. A huge thanks to them for creating holes all day."
The team got off to a slow start offensively, struggling to score a touchdown after two trips to the red zone. It was challenge accepted for the defense as they were stifling throughout the game finishing with nine sacks on the afternoon. The game ball for the defense definitely goes to Myles Garrett who was all over the field and accumulated four sacks by himself bringing his season total to seven through two games.
"We were hungry out there. Any time you can have nine sacks in a game, you have to be pretty happy with that effort."
Next, the Bills finally head back to upstate New York for their home opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
New England 41
Miami 6
A week after crucial mistakes by Teddy Bridgewater cost the Patriots (1-1, 1-0 AFC East) their season opener, New England's QB was rock solid in a 41-6 win over division rival Miami (1-1, 0-1 AFC East). Bridgewater threw for 280 yards and 3 TDs in the win. However, it was his zero interceptions that had Coach Chris Petersen excited.
"Teddy played great today. We knew when Andrew [Luck] retired we were going to need him to step up and he did that today. Division wins are always big in the NFL."
Miami took All-Pro Julio Jones out of the game by double teaming him all night and keeping him to two catches for 19 yards. It wasn't enough, though, as New England's other weapons came to play. The Tight End duo of Eric Ebron (10 catches for 146 yds) and Jermaine Gresham (4 catches for 24 yds, 2 TDs) carved up the middle of the field all night and Miami just couldn't keep up.
Things looked promising after an opening drive field goal and a forced red zone turnover, but the game quickly got out of hand after fumbles lost on consecutive drives. Coach Jerry Daniel was not pleased with his team's effort.
"We have to do a better job protecting the ball. You can't give a team like that extra possessions. I promise you we will be better next week in Dallas."
New England plays their second of three consecutive divisions games next week against the New York Jets.
Miami travels to Dallas to take on the NFC favorite Cowboys.
