The Jets beat the Texans, 24-7, this afternoon at Reliant Field in Houston in a game dominated by Gang Green on both sides of the ball. Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan won in their Jets’ debuts as New York thoroughly outplayed the Texans from the first quarter on.
Here’s what you need to know from today’s game:
Mark Sanchez had plenty of reasons to celebrate during the Jets' season opening win at Houston.
- Sanchez was near perfect in his first start. He was 18-of-31 for 272 yards and a touchdown, converting on numerous third-down plays. More impressive than the numbers, the rookie showed poise, confidence, and great footwork. It’s only one game, but few rookies have shown such maturity in their first game, and a season-opener at that.
- Wide receivers Jerricho Cotchery and Chanci Stuckey, tight end Dustin Keller, and running back Leon Washington had productive games. Stuckey caught four passes for 64 yards including a 30-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Keller caught four passes for 94 yards, while Cotchery had six catches for 90 yards. Washington caught four passes for 24 yards out of the backfield. He carried the ball 15 times for 60 yards, twice out of the “Seminole” offense, the Jets’ version of the “Wildcat.”
- Running back Thomas Jones had an interesting day. Stopped for losses or short gains on all but two of his 20 carries, Jones finished with 107 yards and two touchdowns. His 38-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Jets. On the Jets’ next possession, he had a 39-yard run.
- The Jets outgained Houston, 462-183, and had the ball for 38:46 to the Texans’ 21:14. The Jets had 22 first downs to Houston’s 11.
- The Jets’ defense was simply fantastic, dominating the Texans all afternoon. Houston gained just 38 yards on the ground and 145 through the air. David Harris led the defense with 11 tackles (six solo), while Bart Scott and Kris Jenkins led the defensive front seven as they punished Houston all day. Lito Sheppard had New York’s lone interception. Darrelle Revis (can we call this guy a star already), Kerry Rhodes and the Jets’ secondary shut down the Texans’ receivers. Again, it’s only one game but it looks like Ryan has put his stamp on this defense. And remember, the Jets were playing without Calvin Pace and Shaun Ellis.
- Houston’s only score came off a fourth-quarter interception by Sanchez that was fumbled, then taken for a 48-yard run into the endzone. Matt Schaub was 18-of-33 for 166 yards in a game where he struggled to find open targets and was inaccurate with his throws. Steve Slaton ran for just 17 yards and had a key fumble in the second quarter as Houston was driving. Meanwhile, Andre Johnson had four catches for just 35 yards.
- Ryan did a lot of talking this offseason, and was vocal about the importance of getting a win today. After this dominating performance he deserves a lot of credit for getting his team ready and getting his players to believe they could win. Ryan has every reason to feel good after his first win as an NFL head coach.
