In Week 9, the New York Jets powered past the Houston Texans with a 21-13 victory, ignited by a dynamic offensive surge in the second half after a sluggish start.
New York trailed Houston 7-0 at halftime. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggled early, completing just 7 of 14 passes (50%) for 32 yards in the first half. Rodgers quickly shifted his performance in the second half, completing 15 of 18 passes for 179 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Visit our New York Jets News page to stay updated on the latest happenings.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Jets offensive play caller Todd Downing recapped some of his key takeaways from the game.
Regarding the gaffe by rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley, Downing called it a “hard lesson to learn” for the Western Kentucky product. Downing also said he was disappointed in the team’s response to the blunder, saying it “seemed to zap our energy a bit.”
Discussing the Jets’ success in the second half, Downing praised the Jets’ playmakers.
“It starts with making plays when you get opportunities,” offensive play caller Todd Downing told reporters on Thursday. “The contrast between the first half and the second half is we took some shots in the first half, and we didn’t connect on any of them, but then we took some more shots in the second half, and we hit on them. So that gives you an opportunity to earn first downs, get more plays off the call sheet, and come back to some things you adjusted and whatnot, so we have to make plays when we get the opportunity.”
When asked about how the team can get off to a fast start in Arizona on Sunday against the 5-4 Cardinals, Downing replied, “The easy part is making those plays. We had an opportunity on the first play of the game, but that is something I take very seriously; look at myself; you know how I can help guys get into a rhythm and get them to feel most comfortable and confident, so we will certainly take a look at it. We must get off to a fast start moving forward.”
The Jets’ second-half surge showed a glimpse of their potential, leaving them hungry to start strong as they head into Arizona to face the NFC West-leading Cardinals.
