The Jets held off a vengeful former teammate and walked away with a 17-12 win over the Browns on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, despite a standout performance from linebacker Quincy Williams, who spent four seasons with New York before the team declined to re-sign him.
Williams, who played for the Jets from 2021 to 2025 before signing with Cleveland, had warned during the week that he would be a “nightmare playing against me” for his old team. “So, the nightmare starts on Sunday,” he told reporters.
He backed up the talk, forcing three Jets fumbles — one of which Cleveland recovered — and leading all players with 11 tackles. But the Browns still came up short, and Williams was subdued afterward. “We’re kind of down about that since we gave up two scores,” he said. “Me playing a good game and all the other linebackers playing a good game, I’m not going to say that it doesn’t matter, but it wasn’t enough, so …”
The game’s only Jets injury came on a hit from Williams himself. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq was knocked out of the game and into concussion protocol after Williams forced a fumble, which Cleveland recovered. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said afterward that Sadiq is “fine,” adding, “He checked out just fine, he just has to go through the process.”
Patrick’s Debut, Rookies Step Up
Receiver Tim Patrick made his season debut Sunday after missing the first four games with a groin injury, catching two passes for 26 yards. His day started rough — a holding penalty on the first offensive play wiped out a 13-yard run by running back Braelon Allen, and Patrick dropped a pass on his first target.
“It wasn’t a great start, obviously,” Patrick said. “But I felt like I continued to fight through it, focused on playing hard and making winning plays — a fumble recovery, a sealing block on a touchdown (by Braelon Allen), being in the right spots, a couple first downs. I gave myself a seat at the table, but we won, so that’s what matters.”
Rookie defenders also made their mark. Linebacker David Bailey had three of the Jets’ eight sacks on the day, while fourth-round pick Darrell Jackson Jr. recorded two batted passes at the line and his first career sack.
“It felt good, just coming into the league and contributing to my team early,” Jackson said. “My coach put me out there in a big moment, so I feel like he trusted me to go out there and contribute.” He called the sack “amazing.”
The remaining sacks were split among defensive lineman Jowon Briggs, cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr., edge rusher Will McDonald IV and safety Dane Belton, one apiece.
Veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick drew two personal foul penalties early in the game — a face mask on one play and a high hit on Browns receiver KC Concepcion Jr. on another, which knocked Concepcion out of the game with a concussion.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login