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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Steve McLendon likes to watch N.F.L. season as an endless cycle of mid-term exams.
"You take the test on Sunday," said McLendon, a veteran defensive lineman of the Jets. "You can review the results on Monday. Tuesday, we will take a break. Wednesday, we start studying again.
"The magic formula is in preparation," said McLendon, and this is where these Jets are making the methodical and progressive steps that they have missed in previous years.
A 42-34 victory over Indianapolis on Sunday at MetLife Stadium allowed the Jets (3-3) to win their second straight win, eliminating the slate after three consecutive losses. The match did not feel as close as the final score suggests, but the Jets – who led 30-30 and 42-27 – lead – know how easily a collapse can happen in a match like that -this.
It could have happened to this team a year ago, coach Todd Bowles told his players in the locker room.
"We would have lost this game last year," Bowles told his team. "It shows our growth as a team.
"Now we are back in this business," he added.
The Jets scored eight possessions in a row to keep Indianapolis in pursuit. Six finished with goals from Jason Myers, whose total of seven set a Jets record.
And rookie Sam Darnold, whose courage and ability allowed comparisons to quarterback Andrew Luck of Indianapolis, beat his opponent with 280 yards and two touchdowns while recording 24 of 30 passes.
"I just keep getting more and more comfortable with this offense," said Darnold. "It's really fun to be able to go every day and see what everyone likes in terms of pace, different plays, and so on.
Darnold was treated at an early advantage. At the Colts' second play after the scrum, Luck's pass bounced off the receiver, Marlon Mack, and straight halfback Morris Claiborne, who scored 17 yards for a touchdown for the team's second pick. season.
"We felt the blood in the water at that time," said Jets linebacker Darron Lee.
The Jets forced four turnovers (three selections and a recovery after a breakaway) on Sunday, bringing their total takings to 15. They had 20 last season.
"Take-aways solve a lot of problems," said Bowles. "There are things we need to fix. Take-away meals are not part of it.
In the second order from Indianapolis, the blistering blanket allowed receiver Marcus Johnson to open for a 34-yard touchdown reception in the middle of the game, which tied the score.
After the Jets took the lead, Darnold was intercepted by security Malik Hooker, who sent the ball back to the 35 Jets, setting Indianapolis in a position to regain the lead.
But after the Colts reached the edge of the end zone, first goal and goal of 1, the Jets defense orchestrated a goal position to stop them from scoring.
In the following practice, Quincy Enunwa's fumbles allowed Indianapolis to make a second consecutive try from the Jets side. But again, a trip to the red zone only earns three points.
"I think there are some pieces we left over there," Luck said. "I thought we had a good plan, but we did not run."
After combining for 318 yards rushing in last Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos, the Jets, Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell were limited to 99 yards in less than 99 attempts.
This put more pressure on Darnold to make shots, and he delivered the ball, spreading the ball to eight receivers and averaging 9.3 yards per shot. At one point, he was 11 years out of 12, the failure being Hooker's interception.
"We have guys playing," said Darnold. "They know that at every game, any catcher can pick up the ball. That's how I play.
After the Jets took a 17-point lead early in the third quarter, the Colts scored touchdowns on their other two possessions to stay within striking distance. However, while Indianapolis led 36-27 within nine minutes of the end, Luck's pass for Chester Rogers was defended by Claiborne and passed into Lee's hands, his third interception this season.
"Tips and spills count, too," said safety Jamal Adams. "We are just flying around trying to get our hands on the ball."
Defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers, who was unable to coach for the past two weeks in the locker room, was in the locker room after the match due to a health problem. Rodgers led the team in the enthusiasm of the "1-2-3 Jets!" After a win that put one thing above another: maturity.
"Last year, we found ways to lose in the last two minutes of the game," said McLendon. "Guess what we did today? We found a way to win. "
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