Jets vs. Browns: Jets Win 5th Straight Season Opener

The New York Jets were able to defeat the Cleveland Browns to get their 2015 season off on the right foot. This was the fifth consecutive opener that the Jets have won, and gives Todd Bowles a victory in his coaching debut. For the Browns, they have now lost 11 consecutive season openers, the longest in the history of the NFL.

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The biggest advantage the Jets had in this game was in the turnover battle. They forced five Browns turnovers, while the Jets had only one. The only turnover the Jets had didn’t even result in a loss of the football, as Brandon Marshall ripped the ball out of Tashaun Gipson’s hands after he intercepted Ryan Fitzpatrick. The other four turnovers came via the Browns quarterbacks, as Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel turned the ball over a combined four times. McCown fumbled trying to dive into the end zone in the first quarter, resulting in a concussion. Manziel then threw one interception and fumbled twice, losing both.

Manziel relieved McCown and was electric to start. He threw a touchdown on his first drive, putting the Browns up 7-0. That was basically the end of the positives for the Browns, who had a rough afternoon after that. Manziel finished the game completing 13-of-24 for 182 yards and one touchdown, also adding 35 rushing yards on five attempts.

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The Jets were able to take advantage on the ground, where Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell both succeeded. The Browns were the worst team against the rush in the NFL last season, and it looks no different thus far in 2015. Ivory ran 20 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns, while Powell rushed 12 times for 62 yards.

In his first start as quarterback, Fitzpatrick was also solid showing. Fitzpatrick had only the one turnover, but was able to keep the offense moving otherwise. He completed 15-for-24 for 179 yards and two touchdowns.

He was able to connect with his top target and new acquisition Brandon Marshall effectively as well. Marshall caught six of his nine targets, going for 62 yards and a touchdown. Marshall had a nice catch on a fade over Joe Haden for his score, which he helped set up with a nice catch on the sideline earlier in the draft as well.

Chris Owusu also had a strong showing, catching four passes for 55 yards, 43 of which came in the first quarter on one catch, the longest in the afternoon for the Jets. Eric Decker caught the other touchdown pass from Fitzpatrick.
The Jets defense got the job done as well. In addition to the turnovers, they also racked up three sacks, three tackles for loss and three more quarterback hits. Calvin Pryor was strong in the secondary, as he was beat once in pass coverage but led the team with 10 tackles.

The Jets will look to continue their strong start to the season next week when they visit the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football.

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