Jets make turnovers into points against Rams
BY R.B. FALLSTROM Associated Press
Monday, November 19, 2012
11/19/12 at 5:23 AM
ST. LOUIS - Chris Long refused to sugarcoat the St. Louis Rams' latest loss.
The Rams' defense did not force any takeaways, while the New York Jets picked off one pass and recovered two fumbles - turning both into touchdowns in a 27-13 victory on Sunday.
"It was just ugly," Long said. "We can be a lot better and we should be. I guess you can attribute it to being young, but it's not an excuse. We have to be more consistent."
Mark Sanchez was solid for the first time in several weeks, the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback leading a turnover-free offense - something the Rams couldn't say of their own offense.
"Anytime you turn the ball over - I don't care who you play in the National Football League - three times, you have a hard time if you don't get the ball back yourself," St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher said. "We got outplayed today."
St. Louis' defense hasn't forced a turnover in five straight games, tying the NFL's longest such slump since 1950, according to STATS LLC.
"It's been too long since we've created turnovers," Long said. "We've got to do our part."
The beleaguered Sanchez was an efficient 15 of 20 passing for 178 yards and a touchdown, while Tim Tebow was merely a footnote. The Jets dominated on defense, too. And New York stopped a three-game losing streak, and will head into a Thanksgiving night meeting against the AFC East-leading New England Patriots with renewed confidence.
"If you really take the positives from this game, build on those, continue to get better and improve, we can become a team that just doesn't turn the ball over," Sanchez said. "That could be our identity, if you want it to be and if you work at it."
Bilal Powell ran for the first two touchdowns of his career, Chaz Schilens scored on a 25-yard reception and Nick Folk kicked a pair of 51-yard field goals for the Jets (4-6), who were outscored 58-16 the previous two games. The Jets overcame a tumultuous practice week with several anonymous players quoted in a newspaper report disparaging the ability of Tebow, who had a handful of snaps but was no factor.
The Jets, moving past blowout losses at Seattle and against Miami, led 13-7 at the half and put it away with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Original Print Headline: Jets cruise past Rams
Associated Images:
New York quarterback Mark Sanchez smiles as he talks with head coach Rex Ryan on the sidelines during Sunday's win over St. Louis. TOM GANNAM / Associated Press
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