Jets' Offense Finally Takes Flight as Defense Buries Texans in Week 14

Wilson passes for 301 yards while New York gives Houston major problems
Jets' Offense Finally Takes Flight as Defense Buries Texans in Week 14
Jets' Offense Finally Takes Flight as Defense Buries Texans in Week 14 /

The New York Jets erupted for three second-half touchdown drives while snapping a five-game losing streak on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

With the defense standing tall on a rain-soaked day in East Rutherford, the Jets posted a 30-6 victory over the Houston Texans. All scoring happened after halftime.

After mustering up only one touchdown through two Tim Boyle starts, New York went back to former No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson for its Week 14 home game. The 24-year-old quarterback responded by producing a 300-yard passing performance and a 117.9 rating. Wilson finished 27-of-36 passing for 301 yards and two touchdowns.

Texans' quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was receiving some MVP consideration in recent weeks, was not nearly as productive. The rookie went 10-of-23 passing for 91 yards prior to exiting in the fourth quarter due to a head injury.

The Jets sacked Stroud four times while limiting Houston to a microscopic 1.6 net yards per pass play. New York's defensive backs were flying around all day, permitting only 11 completions on 28 pass attempts. D.J. Reed logged three pass breakups while Sauce Gardner knocked away two potential completions.

The Texans, who converted only 1 of 12 third down opportunities, moved the chains only 10 times all day. The Jets out-gained the visitors by a 347-135 margin.

After punting five times in the first half, the Jets did not punt once over the final two quarters. They took the second-half kickoff and marched 75 yards on seven plays, finding the end zone on a 15-yard pass to Randall Cobb.

After forcing a three-and-out on Houston's first possession of the third quarter, the Jets were on the move again. This time, Wilson took them 69 yards in eight plays with undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson finishing off the drive by rushing nine yards to paydirt. 

Veteran kick Greg Zuerlein iced the Jets' win by nailing three consecutive field goal attempts, including two 50+ yarders, in the fourth quarter.

Second-year pro Garrett Wilson was Zach's top target on Sunday. Wilson, the receiver, hauled in nine passes for a game-high 108 yards. 

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.