The New York Jets looked like a team on a mission coming out of the bye. The Buffalo Bills simply had no answer for the Jets aggressive defense. They turned the ball over three times, two of which were on interceptions by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick who is having a breakout season was held to a completion percentage of just under 50%.
The Jets offense overcame an early red zone miscue (INT) to have a very effective day. Mark Sanchez was 20/28 for 230 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. More importantly, the running game looked strong again as Shonn Greene turned in another solid day with 80 yards. Plaxico Burress continues to improve (5 rec/79 yards) and although Santonio Holmes didn’t have a big statistical day, he was targeted on multiple plays and drew pass interference flags.
Some other Jets notes from the game:
Defense
- The Jets defense limited Fitzpatrick to a passer rating of 51.9, his lowest of the season. Fitzpatrick completed 15-of-31 passes for 191 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Bills 11 points also represented their lowest total on the season.
- The Jets defense created three turnovers, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. NT Sione Pouha stripped Bills RB Fred Jackson of the ball and S Jim Leonhard recovered it. It was Jackson’s first fumble in 173 touches this season.
- The two interceptions were recorded by LBs Calvin Pace and David Harris. It was Harris’ second interception of the season. For the season, the Jets have 19 take-aways (13 interceptions, six fumbles).
Offense
- RB LaDainian Tomlinson recorded his first rushing touchdown of the season in the third quarter. He now has 161 touchdowns for his career, 145 rushing and 16 receiving. He ranks third in NFL history behind Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith, 175 and Jerry Rice, 208. Tomlinson increased his 2011 totals to 39 rushes for 129 yards and a touchdown and 23 receptions for 290 yards and a touchdown.
Special Teams
- RB/KR Joe McKnight averaged 41.5 yards on two kickoff returns for 83 yards including a 59-yard return. That improves his season average to 40.2 yards per kickoff return.