The Browns fell to the Jets, 17-12, on the road at MetLife Stadium to move to 3-2 this season. The loss snaps Cleveland's three-game winning streak.
After taking the lead with a 29-yard touchdown courtesy of WR Denzel Boston, a mishandling of the snap from P Corey Bojorquez gave the Jets the ball inside Browns' territory. RB Braelon Allen found the end zone from 22 yards out three plays later to give the Jets a lead that they did not surrender. The Browns' offense had a chance to lead a fourth-straight go-ahead drive, but turned the ball over on downs.
With heavy rain throughout the game, both teams struggled to generate consistent offense. The Browns finished the game with a season-low 198 net yards and 13 first downs.
Key Moments
Special teams error leads to late Jets touchdown
While attempting a punt from within their own territory with a little over four minutes remaining, the ball slipped through Bojorquez's hands on the snap. The Jets recovered the ball on Cleveland's 23-yard line, putting them in prime position to take the lead.
On third-and-9,Allen bounced to the left, finding the end zone from 22 yards out to give the Jets the lead. Allen, who earned the start in place for injured RB Breece Hall, totaled 116 yards on the ground to go along with the touchdown run.
Deshaun Watson connects with Denzel Boston for Browns' first touchdown
Trailing 10-6 with under 11 minutes remaining the fourth quarter, QB Deshaun Watson led the Browns' first touchdown drive of the game. On second-and-11 from the Jets' 49-yard line, Watson evaded the pressure and scrambled for 20 yards to set up the Browns in scoring position.
Then, three plays later on third-and-10, Watson launched a deep pass to Boston down the left sideline for a 29-yard touchdown to give the Browns their first lead of the game. Boston showcased his big-play ability again, as five games into his NFL career, he has three touchdowns of 25 yards or more.
Defense struggles to limit Garrett Wilson on Jets' first drive
Entering the game tied for 14th in the NFL with 270 receiving yards, WR Garrett Wilson made his presence felt quickly on the Jets' opening drive. On just New York's second offensive play, QB Geno Smith located Wilson for a 17-yard pickup. Wilson's impact didn't stop there, as he took his next reception just two plays later for 21 yards.
Smith capped off the drive by finding Wilson again, who spun out of a tackle in the open field, for a 32-yard touchdown. On the drive, Wilson accounted for 70 of the Jets' 90 yards on his three receptions. Wilson finished the game with seven receptions for 104 yards and one touchdown.
Maliek Collins leads strong first half for Browns' defensive line
Without fellow defensive tackle Mason Graham, who missed the game with knee and ankle injuries, DT Maliek Collins led a strong performance for the Browns' defensive line. Referred to as the defense's engine, the Browns sacked QB Geno Smith three times in the first half. After the Jets found the end zone on an eight play, 90-yard opening drive, the Browns forced four straight punts on the back of their pass rush.
With one sack through the first four games, Collins nearly doubled that number in the first half. On third-and-11, DT Adin Huntington and Collins combined for the Browns' first sack of the game. On the following drive, Collins breached the pocket with a quick arm swipe and brought down Smith again for the solo sack. DT Sam Kamara joined in on the defensive line's success, bull rushing his way to Smith for his first career NFL sack and the third of the first half for the Browns' defensive line.
Quincy Williams excels against former team
LB Quincy Williams, facing his former team for the first time, was everywhere for the Browns' defense. He finished with a team-high 11 tackles, three forced fumbles, one tackle for loss and one pass defensed.
Williams was integral in forcing the Browns' first turnover of the game and keeping the Jets from extending their lead late in the third quarter. As Smith connected with TE Kenyon Sadiq over the middle of the field, Williams delivered a big hit to force the ball out. S Ronnie Hickman jumped on the ball to give the Browns their first turnover of the game. Early in the fourth quarter, Williams came up with another big play, tipping Smith's pass intended for Wilson on third-and-1 to force a punt.
Video Highlights
RB Quinshon Judkins bounces outside for a 14-yard run.
K Andre Szmyt puts the Browns on the board with a 25-yard field goal.
DT Maliek Collins and DT Adin Huntington team up to bring down QB Geno Smith for Browns' first sack.
DT Maliek Collins gets home to QB Geno Smith for the Browns' second sack of the first half.
DT Sam Kamara records first sack of his career and the Browns' third of the first half.
LB Quincy Williams forces a fumble with a big hit for the Browns' first turnover of the game.
QB Deshaun Watson locates WR Isaiah Bond for 30-yard gain.
QB Deshaun Watson finds WR Denzel Boston for 29-yard touchdown.
Scoring Plays
CLE 0, NYJ 7 | WR Garrett Wilson 32-yard touchdown reception | 9:17 Q1
CLE 3, NYJ 7 | K Andre Szmyt converts 25-yard field goal | 3:27 Q1
CLE 6, NYJ 7 | K Andre Szmyt makes 41-yard field goal | 10:14 Q2
CLE 6, NYJ 10 | K Jason Sanders converts 54-yard field goal | 14:37 Q4
CLE 12, NYJ 10 | WR Denzel Boston 29-yard touchdown reception | 6:15 Q4
CLE 12, NYJ 17 | RB Braelon Allen 22-yard touchdown run | 3:01 Q4
What's Next
The Browns will host the Ravens in a divisional matchup on Oct. 18 at 1 p.m.
