It wasn’t pretty, but the New York Jets won’t complain.

After three straight losses, Gang Green found a way to get back in the win column on Sunday, grinding out an ugly, hard-fought 17-12 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

The Jets opened Sunday’s outing on defense, and they delivered a much-needed strong start after a rough week against the Chicago Bears last Sunday. Kingsley Enagbare got things started with a tackle for loss on the first play, followed by back-to-back quick tackles from Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and David Bailey near the line of scrimmage.

After forcing a three-and-out, the Jets’ offense set the tone. The connection between Geno Smith and Garrett Wilson was on full display early, as Wilson hauled in three passes for 70 yards on four targets, capped by a 32-yard touchdown to give the Jets a 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing possession, Deshaun Watson led a methodical drive, spanning 12 plays and 67 yards before a Brownlee blitz disrupted their momentum on third down inside the 10-yard line and forced a 25-yard field goal attempt. Andre Szmyt was ultimately successful on his attempt, cutting Cleveland’s deficit to 7-3 with 3:30 left in the opening quarter.

The Browns continued to chip away at New York’s lead. With 10:14 left in the second quarter, Szmyt connected on a 41-yard field goal, his second of the day. While the Jets’ defense held firm in the red zone once again, Cleveland trimmed their deficit to 7-6 with 10:14 left in the second quarter.

Entering halftime, the Jets maintained their 7-6 lead. After receiving the ball out of the break, the Jets struggled to extend their narrow lead and punted to Cleveland for their first possession of the half. The Browns went three-and-out, giving the Jets possession across midfield. They moved into the red zone after a strong 18-yard run from Braelon Allen, but the drive ended when former Jet Quincy Williams forced his third fumble of the day, stripping Kenyon Sadiq. For the first time, the Browns recovered it, taking the ball away from the Jets at Cleveland’s seven-yard line.

Despite generating the turnover, the Browns struggled to capitalize and ended up punting back to the Jets. The offense gained momentum but ultimately stalled. However, the team felt comfortable trotting Jason Sanders out for a 54-yard field goal attempt in the rain, and he drilled it to extend New York’s lead to 10-6 with 14:37 left in the fourth quarter.

On the Browns’ ensuing possession, David Bailey made one of the game’s biggest plays, recording his third sack to force another Cleveland punt. It also brought his season sack total to five through his first five NFL games.

However, Cleveland’s offense took their first lead of the day on their next drive. Facing a third-and-long situation, Watson connected for a deep 29-yard touchdown to rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston. He beat Brandon Stephens on the play, who also had a penalty earlier in the possession, to keep the Browns’ drive alive. However, the Browns missed the ensuing extra point, though, keeping the Jets within striking distance, trailing 12-10 with 6:15 remaining in regulation.

The Jets blew their first opportunity to regain the lead, though. Despite a strong return from Isaiah Williams to set the Jets up, Carson Schwesinger came through nearly untouched on a blitz, forcing a Smith fumble that Cleveland recovered.

New York’s defense responded with a crucial stand, forcing Cleveland to punt and giving the offense another chance to take the lead. The Browns then botched their punt attempt as a high snap fell through Corey Bojorquez’s hands, allowing the Jets to start their drive deep in Browns territory. This time, they capitalized as Allen gave the Jets a 17-12 lead with 3:01 left in the fourth quarter by ripping off a 22-yard touchdown run.

Once again, the Jets’ defense came through and forced another Browns punt, giving the offense the ball back with just over 2:00 to play with a 17-12 lead. While the Jets’ offense couldn’t put the game away, punting the ball back to Cleveland with over a minute left on the clock, the defense came through for the third consecutive drive, shutting out the Browns’ final opportunity and sealing the victory.

Thanks to Sunday’s win, the Jets’ season remains alive at 2-3 as they prepare to face their division rival, the New England Patriots, in Foxborough next week.