FIELD GOALS LIFT JETS TO WIN
JASON MYERS SETS TEAM RECORD WITH SEVEN THREE-POINTERS
See the highlights of Sunday’s National Football League action in Sports
The New York Jets pulled off the type of victory that even Broadway Joe could appreciate.
With Joe Namath and the 1968 Super Bowl-winning squad watching, Jason Myers kicked a franchise-record seven field goals, Sam Darnold threw two touchdown passes, and the Jets held on to beat the Indianapolis Colts 42-34 on Sunday to win consecutive games for the first time in more than a year.
“The game wasn’t perfect, by no means,” coach Todd Bowles said. “With the growth of the team, we probably would’ve lost this one a year ago or a couple of weeks ago. So, to win ugly, for us, is a pretty good thing.”
Morris Claiborne returned the first of three interceptions thrown by Andrew Luck for a touchdown as the Jets (3-3) moved to .500 by taking advantage of mistakes by the short-handed Colts (1-5), who lost their fourth straight.
“It’s one of those bittersweet victories,” Claiborne said. “You played well enough to win the game, but you feel like you could’ve played a lot better. You never want to give up that many points.”
Darnold was 24 of 30 for 280 yards, with TD throws to Terrelle Pryor and Chris Herndon and an interception to give New York its first backto-back victories since taking three in a row in Weeks 3-5 last season.
“We’re definitely back in the thick of things,” Darnold said. “But at the same time, we’re not satisfied.”
Myers hit field goals from 30, 48, 32, 37, 45, 37 and 45 yards to break the Jets record previously held by Jim Turner (1968) — the kicker for the Super Bowl champions — and Bobby Howfield (1972).
“It’s more important that we got the win,” Myers said, “but being able to help out and do what I can that way, that’s what’s most important to me.”
Myers’ 24 total points are the second-highest single-game total by a player who did not score a touchdown in NFL history. Only the Titans’ Rob Bironas, who holds the mark with eight field goals in a game, had more: 26 on Oct. 21, 2007.
Luck was 23 of 43 for 301 yards with touchdowns to Marcus Johnson, Eric Ebron, Erik Swoope and Chester Rogers, the last coming with 1:51 left to make the score close. Neal Sterling recovered the Colts’ onside kick to seal the win for the Jets.
It all had Luck pondering whether it’s tough finding the joy in football.
“At times, especially when I do things — stupid is the only word that comes to mind,” he said. “We do some silly things to ourselves, but when it comes to having fun playing, I’m having fun playing.”
The Colts were playing without several starters, including wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, defensive linemen Denico Autry and Margus Hunt, tight end Jack Doyle, safety Clayton Geathers and right tackle Denzelle Good.