Jets’ Defense Shuts Down Browns in Exhibition at Montreal, 11-7

The New York Jets won the first National Football League game played in Canada in 19 years Thursday night, using a big-play defense that shut out the Cleveland Browns for the final three periods of an 11-7 victory.

After Cleveland drove 79 yards in 12 plays on its opening series for its lone touchdown, the Jets clamped down.

When the Browns got to the New York 13 in the final minutes, the Jets’ defense stopped them.

Cleveland scored its touchdown on Bernie Kosar’s 4-yard pass to Kevin Mack.

Pat Leahy kicked field goals of 34 and 22 yards for the Jets, and rookie Chris O’Brien also kicked a 38-yarder for New York. The Jets also had a safety when Carl Howard sacked Mike Pagel in the end zone.

The last NFL exhibition game played in Canada was Aug. 25, 1969, when the Detroit Lions beat the Boston Patriots, 22-9, also in Montreal.

Thursday night’s game, played at Olympic Stadium, drew 39,112 fans, most of whom cheered for the Browns, although the Jets technically were the home team.