Stack 'Em Up: For the second consecutive week, the Jets took control of a game in the second half. And for the first time this year, the Green & White have won consecutive games as they took down the Browns 31-28 at First Energy Stadium. Head coach Todd Bowles said his club had to start stacking up victories and they moved closer to .500 today with an impressive 24-point run following intermission.
Enunwa Pivotal in Surge: Following a listless first half, the Jets woke up in the third quarter. After WR Quincy Enunwa's 24-yard scoring reception cut the Green & White's deficit to 20-14, Enunwa came back on the next possession with a 57-yard catch and run that set the visitors up deep. They took their first advantage when RB Matt Forte powered in from three yards out. Enunwa is becoming a monster after the catch. Against the Ravens, he took a short toss and ran approximately 60 yards for a 69-yard score. On Sunday in Cleveland, Enunwa cradled a pass from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, eluded four would-be tacklers and finished a 24-yard TD in style. It was Enunwa's team-leading third TD.
Resourceful Powell: RB Bilal Powell made good on his one carry in the first half. With Fitzpatrick operating out of the shotgun, Powell took a handoff and exploded down the visiting sideline. Receiving a block from WR Brandon Marshall along the way, Powell raced 35 yards and wasn't stopped before crossing the pylon. And he wasn't done as Powell gave the Jets a nice 1-2 punch at RB, finishing with season-high 76 yards on the ground.
Ground Gains:The Jets amassed 171 yards on the ground with Forté churning for a hard-earned 82 yards on his 25 carries along with 2 TDs. Conversely, the Jets defense held Browns RB Isaiah Crowell to just 29 yards on 11 carries.
Air Turbulence: Fitzpatrick, who took a vicious early shot, failed to get comfortable to start. While he completed just three of 14 passes in the first half for 30 yards, Browns QB Josh McCown completed 16 of 27 passes for 228 yards. Cleveland looked to be in command, taking a 20-7 lead entering the third quarter. But Fitzpatrick wasn't rattled and he stayed the course, finishing turnover free for a second consecutive outing.
Turnover Differential: S Marcus Gilchrist (seven tackles) and OLB Lorenzo Mauldin tallied second-half interceptions while the offense was not charged with a turnover.
Lineup Changes: Activated Saturday off the PUP list, Breno Giacomini started at RT. He suffered a finger injury and Ben Ijalana saw some time there as well. Meanwhile Wesley Johnson filled in for Nick Mangold (ankle) at center. On the other side of the ball, Marcus Williams got the call at cornerback as former Browns DB Buster Skrine (knee) was among the inactives. And with the Jets' depth tested at ILB, Julian Stanford lined up alongside David Harris. Back after missing Week 7 action with a sore ankle, DE Muhammad Wilkerson racked up his first full sack since Week 1… Marshall, who had four receptions for 68 yards, secured the victory in the final seconds with a recovery of an onside kick.
Best Images from the Week 8 Matchup in Cleveland