NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — The New York Jets halted the Buffalo Bills challenge in the AFC East with a 34-21 victory over their divisional rivals at MetLife Stadium on Thursday.
Running back Matt Forte rushed for two touchdowns as New York forged into a 31-7 lead that left many Buffalo fans heading for the exits.
The Bills staged a late revival when quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw for a touchdown and ran one in himself, but it was too little too late.
The win saw the Jets improve to 4-5, but they remain rooted to the bottom of the AFC East.
Buffalo meanwhile could have gone level with New England at the top of the division on 6-2 but instead fell to 5-3.
New York’s win was founded on a fearsome display by their defense, who hassled Taylor all night and recorded seven sacks against the Buffalo quarterback.
One of those set up a touchdown for Forte when Demario Davis recovered a strip sack near the Buffalo five-yard line.
Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson gave Taylor a torrid time, with a sack, two hits and a pass deflection.
The Jets pulled into a 17-7 lead early in the first half when Robby Anderson gathered Josh McCown’s 25-yard touchdown catch on a fade route down the right sideline.
McCown had earlier given the Jets the lead, the 38-year-old scrambling for a touchdown from close range.
McCown completed 14 of 20 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. Taylor was 29 of 40 for 285 yards and two scores.
© Agence France-Presse
