A quarter-by-quarter look at the New York Jets’ 30-22 victory over the Falcons on Friday night at MetLife Stadium.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: On the second play of the Falcons' first possession, Matt Ryan dropped a pass 10 yards into the flat to fullback Collin Mooney, who got behind Quinton Couples in coverage and raced up the field for a 60-yard gain. The Jets were flowing to the right look at some misdirection motion that allowed Mooney to slip out of the backfield to the other side.
Turning point: After the defense held the Jets to a three-and-out, Hester reversed field and got behind a wall of blockers on his way to a 59-yard return. Three plays later, Terron Ward scored on a 2-yard run to make it 14-0.
The takeaway: The Falcons received two big plays, one from an unlikely spot — the fullback.
Score: Falcons 14, Jets 0
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: Jets running back Chris Ivory broke up the middle of the Falcons' defense for a 33-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion made the score 14-10.
Turning point: On a first-and-10 from the 4-yard line, Falcons left guard James Stone whiffed on a block and Jets rookie defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who was the sixth player taken in the NFL draft, two picks ahead of Vic Beasley, dropped quarterback T.J. Yates for a safety. The Jets used the play to rally.
The takeaway: The Falcons rotated quarterbacks, with Yates playing a series followed by Renfree. That didn't work. Both were spotty. The offense couldn't establish a rhythm, and the Jets' reserves were able to cobble together a lead. Yates was intercepted by Jamari Lattimore when he delivered a pass late to tight end Tony Moeaki with 1:02 left.
Halftime score: Jets 16, Falcons 14
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: Rookie quarterback Bryce Petty tossed a dart to DeVier Posey for a 13-yard touchdown pass with cornerback Dezmen Southward in coverage. The touchdown pass capped a eight-play, 57-yard drive that erased 5:24 off the clock.
Turning point: Falcons running back Jerome Smith fumbled, and New York safety Rontez Miles picked up the loose ball and scored from 57 yards out to put the Jets up 30-14.
The takeaway: The rotation at quarterback didn't get any better. Renfree had a three-and-out, and Yates picked up a first down before being stopped. Renfree took back over with 2:39 left in the period before Smith's fumble.
Score: Jets 30, Falcons 14
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: On fourth-and-8 from the Jets' 15, Yates found Nick Williams for a 14-yard gain to keep the drive alive. Three plays later, Michael Ford scored from a yard out. Levine Toilolo caught a two-point conversion to make it a one-score game.
Turning point: Renfree took over and missed streaking Bernard Reedy on a potential touchdown pass and the Falcons were forced to punt with 6:23 left.
The takeaway: Not really sure who's ahead in the backup quarterback battle. Nothing was settled in this game.
Score: Jets 30, Falcons 22
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