It’ll go down as Sam Darnold’s first win, but the New York Jets enjoyed a full team effort in a blowout win over the Detroit Lions.
- New York Jets 48 (1-0)
- Detroit Lions 17 (0-1)
- NFL, Week 1, Final, Box Score
- Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
In 2018’s first edition of Monday Night Football, Sam Darnold was, indeed, ready for some football.
After a brutal start, the rookie Darnold went on to throw for 189 yards and two touchdowns, as the Jets scored from all three sides of the ball en route to a 48-17 victory over the Detroit Lions on Monday night at Ford Field.
Typical Jets fare, situations that the fan has become all too accustomed to throughout the years, played out in the opening play of the game, as the first play of Darnold’s career was a touchdown pass, one that scored six points for the Lions.
Safety Quandre Diggs picked up the fourth interception of his career, taking the turnover back 37 yards to open the scoring.
On the first play of the game…
Quandre Diggs PICK-6! ? #NYJvsDET #OnePride
?: ESPN pic.twitter.com/VMaSDvdZXn
— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2018
Detroit appeared to keep the momentum by ending the Jets’ ensuing possession with a sack, but the defense forced a three-and-out to prevent further points.
Set up nicely by a 43-yard return by Andre Roberts, the Jets would go on to score via a six-yard Isaiah Crowell touchdown that knotted things up.
Isaiah Crowell answers. 7-7. #Jetspic.twitter.com/4ZofK0QodX
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) September 10, 2018
Detroit went on to suffer another three-and-out, but, this time, the punt never came, as a Matthew Stafford pass was intercepted by Morris Claiborne at midfield.
Eight plays later, Jason Myers connected from 35 yards out to take their first lead of the evening.
Morris Claiborne GETS UP and intercepts Matthew Stafford! #NYJvsDET #Jets
?: ESPN pic.twitter.com/Gc9TwUiWVE
— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2018
The Lions got back into Jets territory, where Trumaine Johnson got the Jets the ball back, but an ensuing fumble was forced by Kenny Golladay. Given new life, however, Detroit was unable to capitalize, as Matt Prater missed a 55-yard field goal.
Towards the end of the half, the Jets would take full advantage, as Darnold tallied his first career NFL touchdown, finding Robby Anderson from 41 yards out.
Sam Darnold finds Robby Anderson for a deep touchdown. First of his career.
41-yards.
And Matt Patricia is probably not too happy right now with his defense, but he's used to that stuff.pic.twitter.com/yu8YgCLwqA
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 11, 2018
The Lions were able to respond with a Prater field goal just before the half let out, and later even tied the game on their first drive of the third. Stafford would find Golden Tate for the tying touchdown, scoring from 24 yards out.
Matthew Stafford to Golden Tate for the TD as the #Lions tie the game https://t.co/dvk4PL8XER
— MyBookie Sportsbook (@betmybookie) September 11, 2018
Despite the brief tie, the game was more or less over from a Detroit standpoint after that.
Thirty-one straight points for the Jets followed after that, as Darnold connected with Quincy Enunwa from 21 yards out to get things started.
#Jets answer back.
Darnold's 2nd TD pass goes to @QuincyEnunwa! #NYJvsDET
?: ESPN pic.twitter.com/EWqBrt8zOr
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2018
Stafford would add a touchdown of his own, albeit one to benefit the other team, as interceptions on back-to-back drives creating two more Jets scores. Lee wound up taking the first takeaway to the house himself, going 36 yards for the score.
https://twitter.com/BuckeyeVideos/status/1039323163061112833
Darron Lee AGAIN!
The @nyjets' FOURTH INT of the game. #NYJvsDET #Jets
?: ESPN pic.twitter.com/mKWMgGdE5j
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2018
After Lee’s second interception, the fourth Stafford loss of the game, the Jets would add yet another Myers field goal.
Afterward, they capped off the third quarter with two more scores, first in the form of a 78-yard punt return by Roberts, followed by a 62 yard run to glory by Crowell, his second of the game.
J-E-T-S! #Jets #Jets #Jets@AndreRoberts goes 78 yards on the punt return TD! #NYJvsDET
?: ESPN pic.twitter.com/ntjhCyLpAD
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2018
Clip of Isaiah Crowell winning me my week 1 fantasy matchup. Thanks, friend! pic.twitter.com/mVmcXEJh1n
— Josh Boeke (@JoshBoeke) September 11, 2018
With tonight’s victory sealed, the Jets (1-0) will next take on the Miami Dolphins next Sunday at home (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS).