Jets beat Texans, ending five-game losing streak

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ. — The New York Jets earned a much-needed win in a strange game Thursday night against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans, ending a five-game losing streak with a 21-13 victory at MetLife Stadium.

After a scoreless first half, Jets receiver Garrett Wilson scored two one-handed touchdown catches for New York in the second quarter on Halloween night.

The Texans got 106 rushing yards from running back Joe Mixon, but struggled otherwise as CJ Stroud was sacked eight times and Ka'imi Fairbairn missed two field goals.

Here are the key things to know from Thursday night for both teams:

The Jets recovered from their “moment of darkness” to pull off a season-saving victory that included plenty of oddities, exactly what you would expect on Halloween.

They overcame their worst play of the year (Malachi Corley's fumble for a touchback) and followed it up with their best play (Wilson's acrobatic touchdown in the fourth quarter), resulting in a tough, if not artistic, victory over the Texans.

The Jets ended their five-game losing streak and gave interim coach Jeff Ulbrich his first win after three losses. They were desperate. After last Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, things were so dark that Ulbrich dropped the quote “darkness.” His team, which struggled with several injuries during the game, showed a lot of heart in coming back from seven and three-point deficits, something they had previously lacked.

They also showed resilience. The first half was so ugly (69 total yards) that angry fans, some with sacks over their heads, chanted, “Sell the team!” — directed at owner Woody Johnson, who shook up the franchise by firing Robert Saleh after five games dismissed.

If the Jets turn their season around, the turning point will be Wilson's touchdown – a leaping, one-handed play behind the end zone that was one of the best catches of the season. Wilson, bouncing back from a poor game two weeks ago, scored two touchdowns and led the way on a night where they overcame many mistakes.

Key game: The franchise that gave us the Butt Fumble (and other blunders over the years) provided another moment of outrage. Corley seemingly scored a touchdown on a 19-yard jet sweep, but he released the ball before it crossed the goal line and it rolled out of the end zone for a touchback—an inexcusable gaffe in what was then a scoreless second-quarter game. It was the first carry of his career and it would have been his first touchdown. You can bet the piece will be featured in lowlight films in 2024.

QB breakdown: Maybe Aaron Rodgers' cayenne pepper/water mixture needed some time to work. After a terrible first half (he set a career low with 32 yards passing), Rodgers perked up and threw touchdowns in the second half, connecting with his old friend Davante Adams for the decisive win – Adams' first touchdown as a Jet. Rodgers (22 of 32, 211 yards) had some old man moments, but he made enough winning plays.

Promising trend: The front four turned heads as the Jets sacked CJ Stroud eight times. Defensive end Micheal Clemons and linebacker Jamien Sherwood led with two apiece, but tackle Quinnen Williams (one sack, seven pressures) and Haason Reddick (six pressures) generated most of the heat.

Worrying trend: What's wrong with Sauce Gardner? The All-Pro cornerback hasn't been himself this season, and this was the latest evidence of a talented player struggling to find his talent. On three consecutive plays in the second quarter, he missed a tackle, allowed a 32-yard completion and incurred a holding penalty. It was his fifth penalty, matching his 2023 total. He added a sixth later in the fourth quarter. Like many players on the team, Gardner failed to live up to expectations. — Rich Cimini

Next game: at the Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, November 10)

The Texans' loss was similar to their two previous defeats as they were plagued by offensive issues. Their losses are an average of 14 points and the reason is because Stroud is constantly under pressure.

The Jets sacked Stroud eight times, a career high, outscoring a rushing attack that totaled 187 yards. The Texans' offensive struggles kept the Jets – who didn't score a touchdown until the start of the third quarter – alive. But Rodgers ended up throwing three touchdown passes in the second half while limiting the Texans' offense to a measly six points.

The Texans only score 22.3 points per game, which allows teams to keep going. On Thursday it cost them a game that they went into with a lot of momentum.

Worrying trend: Injuries to the Texas starters are piling up. In this game alone, Houston lost left tackle Laremy Tunsil (ankle), defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) and left guard Kenyon Green (shoulder) at times in the game. Even Stroud was insulted. Tunsil, Stroud and Anderson eventually returned to the game, but Green did not. The Texans were already without their wideout duo Nico Collins (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (knee), as well as linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin).

Key game: Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was called for questionable illegal contact on fourth down on the first play of the fourth quarter, negating a Rodgers incomplement that would have given the ball to Houston on downs. A few plays later, Rodgers threw a touchdown pass that Wilson caught with one hand to give the Jets a 14-10 lead.

Silver linings: The Texans get a small bye to get ready for their Week 10 battle against the 6-1 Lions. This will be a tough matchup, but at least the Texans will be healthier with the possible returns of Collins, Al-Shaair and Ward.

Most surprising performance: Tank Dell finished the game with six catches for 126 yards. This was the first 100-yard game he had since Week 11 in 2023. Dell's performance was in demand as outside players Collins and Diggs had to take a break. But the Texans couldn't get any more points out of it. — DJ Bien Aime

Next game: vs. Detroit Lions (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday, November 10)