New York Jets Team Grades vs. Cleveland Browns

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Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; An American flag is displayed during the national anthem and a moment of silence for victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks before the season opener between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets were able to pick up a win in their season opener over the Cleveland Browns, winning 31-10. It was the fifth consecutive opening week game the Jets won, while the Browns have now lost an NFL record 11 consecutive season openers.

It took a little while for the Jets to get going, but once they did it was like a runaway train going downhill. They destroyed the undermanned and underwhelmingly talented Browns as early fireworks from Johnny Manziel fizzled once the Jets got their bearings defensively. He brought an added dynamic to the Browns offense, but not enough of one to totally throw the Jets off their game.

The defense and running game will be the calling card for the Jets throughout the season, as they both were against the Browns. But, the passing game also showed they can be productive when given the chance as well. All in all, it made for a very successful debut for the first time Jets, as the positives far outweighed the negatives.

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But, even with everyone riding high, there were still some things that put a damper on the afternoon. Injuries to newly acquired and starting cornerback Antonio Cromartie and rookie linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin were tough to watch. Cromartie suffered a noncontact knee injury, looking to potentially injury the ligaments in his knee. Mauldin crumbled to the field motionless after trying to leave the field on a tackle in the second half. Thankfully he avoided a neck injury, but still suffered a concussion.

*UPDATE Antonio Cromartie’s MRI came back clean as he avoided a dreaded ACL tear. He has a knee sprain which is keeping him out week-to-week. Mauldin also avoided a neck injury and was diagnosed with a concussion. He was released from the hospital today.

The Jets will be riding high heading into their Week 2 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. Before we get to that though, there is more to discuss about the Jets victory over the Browns.

Check out our Jets’ team grades from Week 1.

Next: Passing Offense Grade