Two Bills Drive

‘The MVP of a week-old Jets season broke two big plays and plenty of hearts in Buffalo. Morton’s first kickoff return for a score, which covered 98 yards, came immediately after the Bills went up 10-0. And if that touchdown made it a game, the next one ended it.’

‘It should be taken as a good sign that the Jets needed only one game to set a positive tone for 2002. Faced with some of the same calamities that ensnared them early last season – porous run defense, penalties, a decisive disadvantage in time of possession – the Jets shook them off and beat the Bills, 37-31, in a dramatic victory that could be a sign of things to come.’

‘It wasn’t just that Becht caught four passes for 36 yards – including a touchdown – and a two-point conversion, it was the way he did it. Becht caught balls in heavy traffic. And his best statistic of the afternoon? Zero drops.’

‘After the game, Martin was fitted with a walking boot and hooked up to an electric stimulator, but he didn’t need crutches.’

‘"To have two [returns] go back, block a punt and cover the way we did," Westhoff said, "not too many special teams have ever done that."’

‘Jets nickel linebacker Darling took responsibility for the coverage breakdown that led to Eric Moulds’ 29-yard touchdown reception that tied the game at 31 with 26 seconds left in regulation. Coach Herman Edwards blamed the lack of a pass rush, which gave Drew Bledsoe time to pump-fake and hit Moulds in between three defenders just over the goal line on fourth-and-9.’

‘In a seesaw battle in which there were six lead changes and two ties, and the Jets’ vaunted defense didn’t live up to expectations.’

‘Testaverde turned in a vintage performance, completing 24 of 30 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Wasn’t intercepted once, and didn’t make even one of the regrettable throws that seemed to pockmark every game last year.’

‘"It was a double pump and the linebacker didn’t get deep enough," Jets coach Herman Edwards said. "The point isn’t to blame someone. It was a great play on their part. We didn’t get there on the rush. (Bledsoe) had too much time. If you give a guy that much time, the zone breaks down."’

‘Martin, who has been amazingly durable during his five seasons with the Jets, will be re-examined today. X-rays at the stadium were negative.’

‘On the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Chad Morton could feel the life spilling out of his legs, so he began to bargain with them. "Come on now!" he yelled, into the desperate din of 72,751 voices. "Don’t get caught! Don’t fall down! Just a little bit more! Just a little bit more!"’

‘”They had a great game plan for us offensively,” said strong safety Sam Garnes, one of the new starters. “Bledsoe was just a warrior out there. We have a lot of respect for him, and I have even more because I haven’t played him as much as my teammates. He played a hell of a game. I have to give him his props.”‘

‘As wide receiver Wayne Chrebet observed, “Chad’s starting to write his ticket to the Pro Bowl already.”‘

‘ The Jets left Ralph Wilson Stadium with pounding hearts, a wild victory and acres of room for improvement.’

‘Martin had carried four times for 6 yards and caught five passes for 35 yards when he left a game in which he was the only Jet to suffer a significant injury.’