Jets can say they won’t go winless
INGLEWOOD, CALIF. >> After 51 weeks and 13 games without a victory, the New York Jets finally earned the chance to celebrate something.
They knew their 23-20 win over the embarrassed Los Angeles Rams on Sunday was never pretty, and everybody realized it also came with a major drawback: New York is no longer in position for the top pick in the NFL draft.
Don’t try telling that to the joyful Jets who surged onto the SoFi Stadium field after the final whistle with the knowledge their names will not be attached to the ignominy of the third 0-16 season in NFL history.
Sam Darnold passed for 207 yards in a steady performance, while Frank Gore rushed for a score that was his 100th career touchdown in the Jets’ first win since the 2019 season finale. Gore also made a decisive third- down reception with 2:12 left for the Jets (1-13), who ended the longest losing streak in franchise history with a strong start and a gritty finish.
Coach Adam Gase got his first win of the year only after New York blew most of a 17-point lead in the second half. The Jets’ defense stopped the Rams on downs near midfield with 3:54 to play.
“Hey, our job is to go out and try to win every week,” Gase said.
New York had a 13-3 lead at halftime after holding the Rams to 97 yards, and the Jets led 20- 3 midway through the third. Los Angeles (9-5) chipped the deficit down to three points with TD catches by Robert Woods and Tyler Higbee.
Sam Ficken kicked three field goals for the Jets.