Jets routed 23-3 by Browns on Monday Night Football as injury woes increase

Down to their third quarterback, the oft-maligned Jets offense remained grounded.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Injuries continue to mount for the spiraling New York Jets.

The New York Jets (0-2) fell 23-3 to the Cleveland Browns (1-1) in a prime time snoozer on Monday Night Football. 

With 7:58 left to play in the second quarter, Siemian sustained a brutal blow from Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, and appeared to be badly injured. He was later ruled out with an ankle injury.

Additionally, the Jets lost LB Jordan Jenkins (calf) and the newly acquired Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) for the remainder of the game. 

In his postgame press conference, Adam Gase revealed that Siemian will have an MRI on Tuesday for his injured ankle, and Demaryius Thomas will be evaluated for a hamstring injury on Tuesday morning.

Promoted from the practice squad merely hours before the game, third quarterback Luke Falk proceeded to lead the offense on their first scoring drive -- a 46-yard field goal from Sam Ficken.

Falk finished 19 of 24 for 196 yards in his first extended action. His Jets debut was highlighted by a pinpoint 36-yard pass to wide receiver Robby Anderson down the right sideline late in the third quarter.

"I thought we made some good plays," Falk said. "Just in some critical moments we've got to find a way to execute. I wish I had a few plays back, but overall, I thought we did some positive things and there is some stuff to build on. But definitely have got to finish, got to find a way to put points on the board."

Siemian got off to a rocky start in his first appearance since 2017, going 3 of 6 for zero yards in the opening quarter. He looked skittish in the pocket and his throws were largely off the mark.

Siemian's sluggish start continued into the second quarter, largely due to protection breakdowns up front and blatant misfires to his wide receivers. 

He finished with three yards passing on the evening.

On the other side, Mayfield failed to capitalize on prime field position gifted to him by early Jets penalties, and the Browns could only muster two field goals in the first quarter.

Following the Ficken field goal, a lengthy Cleveland drive culminated in a 19-yard touchdown run from Nick Chubb, giving the visiting team a ten point lead. A late field goal as time expired put the Browns up 16-3 at intermission.

Kept alive by an admirable performance by the Jets defense for most of the game, a 89-yard touchdown from Mayfield to Odell Beckham Jr with 3:32 left in the third quarter sucked the remaining air out of MetLife Stadium. The Browns took a 23-3 lead into the fourth quarter.

"It was a RPO (run-pass-option) like you said, cover two shell," Mayfield said. "Just reading the mike and knowing that the nickel is playing in between number three and number two. He's going to have speed down the alley, so really giving a token fake and getting the ball in his hands. Making sure to give that ball to him when he's on the move. The rest is all on him. That's why you give him the ball."

The fourth quarter featured turnovers from both teams. Mayfield threw an ill-advised pass into coverage and cornerback Darryl Roberts came up with the interception, and a Le'Veon Bell fumble in the red zone stalled a late Jets drive.