The New York Jets score two touchdowns in the final two minutes, thanks to Cleveland Browns mistakes
The New York Jets pulled off one of the most unlikely victories in recent NFL history, capitalizing on a series of Cleveland Browns gaffes in the final two minutes at First Energy Stadium, none bigger than Nick Chubb’s erroneous touchdown.
The Jets won 31-30 after scoring two touchdowns in the final 82 seconds, becoming the first team in 21 years to overcome a 13-point deficit in the final two minutes of a game. In 2001, the Chicago Bears did it against the Cleveland Browns.
The miraculous comeback was described as “something crazy” by Jets coach Robert Saleh, a sentiment shared by the team’s locker room.
“I’m not sure where it ranks, but it’s up there,” said quarterback Joe Flacco, a 15-year veteran who threw four touchdown passes, including the game-winning touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson with 22 seconds remaining.
To put things into perspective, teams had lost 2,229 consecutive games when trailing by at least 13 points in the final two minutes between Week 9 of 2002 (the week after the Browns’ collapse against the Bears) and Week 1 of the current season.
The Browns were devastated, having blown a chance to go 2-0 for the first time since 1993. With 1:55 remaining, Chubb scored his third touchdown, a 12-yard run, to make the score 30-17. He should, however, have stopped short of the end zone. If he had done so, the Browns would have been able to run out the clock because the Jets had no timeouts left.
The Jets stated that Chubb’s mental error surprised them and triggered their emotions. The Browns were humiliated. Coach Kevin Stefanski accepted responsibility.
