NEW YORK JETS 23
JACKSONVILLE 9
The New York Jets (4-3) got their season back on track in dominating fashion against the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3). New York looked to be sellers before the trade deadline with moves unloading Mike Daniels and Robby Anderson. However, they sent the signal to their locker room that they weren't giving up on the season when they acquired superstar cornerback Chris Harris from the Denver Broncos last week. Harris had an immediate impact for the Jets as their secondary completely shut down the Jags passing attack holding them to 143 yards in the air and grabbing 2 interceptions.
"I was a little surprised when I got the call from my agent, but the Broncos are looking to rebuild and this is a business. When Coach Gase called me into his office, I felt much better about the move. We had a good conversation. I was happy I could contribute today." Harris said.
The New York offense was much more run heavy than in last weeks loss to the New England Patriots, with 45 rush attempts to just 23 pass attempts.
"Coach and I talked a bit after last week and we agreed we had to get the run game going." Running back Duke Johnson said.
New York takes on division rival Miami next week in South Beach in a game that could have major playoff ramifications.
MIAMI 26
PITTSBURGH 20
The Miami Dolphins (5-2) endured a hard fought rock fight to prevail over the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-20, Monday Night at Heinz Field.
Miami's defense again carried the team with four takeaways, including a 38-yard pick-six by safety DJ Swearinger late in the 2nd quarter.
"We are hungry over here on D," Swearinger said. "Jamal (Adams) over there killing people - I just need to get my shine too."
Adams, one of the league's leaders for Defensive Player of the Year and even league MVP, racked up 11 tackles, four tackles for loss, and another pair of forced fumbles - his 10th and 11th on the year.
"We are a grind it out ball club," Adams said. "Our offense wears you down to score late and we eat your heart."
HB Leonard Fournette had a slow start but took over the game late with 102 of his 145 rushing yards in the second half. The LSU product finished the game with a 4th quarter TD dagger after the team's 4th takeaway.
The Dolphins next take on their division rivals, the New York Jets.
PHILADELPHIA 13
BUFFALO 33
The Buffalo Bills (7-0) stayed hot with a 33-13 win over the visiting Philadelphia Eagles (3-4-1).
The Buffalo defense got things going with a Casey Hayward interception on the first play from the scrimmage.
"Did you guys see that toe tap? I got to put my receiving skills on display for that one. I asked Coach to put me in on offense after that. He wasn't having it." Hayward joked after the game.
Hayward's pick ended up foreshadowing the afternoon as the Bills caught three passes from the Eagles QB when all was said and done.
Offensively, the Bills did just enough to keep the game out of reach and were paced by Aaron Rodgers' 234 yards and 2 touchdowns.
"We're a close group of guys. The energy in the locker room is contagious. It's a fun group." Rodgers said when asked about what was so special about this team.
The Bills stay at home to take on Washington next week.
CLEVELAND 11
NEW ENGLAND 18
The New England Patriots (4-4) won their 3rd game in a row to climb back into the playoff picture with a 18-11 dog fight win over the visiting Cleveland Browns (3-4).
Teddy Bridgewater did just enough in the 4th quarter to give the Pats a victory with a touchdown drive late. This was after a disastrous start that had him throw 3 interceptions including a pick six.
"I have to be better if I want to keep this job." Bridgewater said after the game.
Rumors have started swirling that the Patriots are running out of patience with their signal caller and may be looking elsewhere to keep their postseason hopes alive.
"Teddy is our quarterback right now." Coach Chris Petersen said after the game doing nothing to quell the rumor mill.
New England travels to Baltimore to take on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens next week.
