Jets’ Defense Remains Stingy in Clutch, 24-9

Rookie Terance Mathis had a record-tying 98-yard punt return for a touchdown, but the most exciting element for the New York Jets in their 24-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys was the continued clutch play of their defense.

The Jets (4-5), who beat the Cowboys for the first time in five games, were outgained 321-187. But, as they did in beating Houston last week, the Jets got major contributions from a defensive unit that had specialized in blowing late leads.

The Cowboys (3-6) were only able to manage field goals of 37, 35 and 32 yards by Ken Willis.

“It’s a great feeling when you can stop a team when and where it counts,” Jet cornerback James Hasty said. “We let them have too much yardage in the middle but, when push came to shove, we shut the end zone on them.”

The Jets also benefitted from two roughing-the-passer penalties called against the Cowboys.

“Regardless of the calls, we can’t beat anybody when we make as many mistakes as we did today,” Dallas Coach Jimmy Johnson said.

The biggest mistake was letting Mathis get loose on the punt return.

Mathis fielded Mike Saxon’s punt on the Jet two, then ran up the middle, cut to the right and outraced defenders to the end zone. The return tied the NFL record held by three others, including Dennis Morgan of Dallas, who equaled the mark against St. Louis in 1974.

“I went back to catch the ball over my shoulder, looked down and saw the end zone,” said Mathis, who is returning punts because JoJo Townsell is injured. “I said, ‘Whoa, I’ve got to do something with this.’ ”

The punt return accounted for the Jets’ only points in the first half, when they were limited to two first downs and 46 yards, and held the ball just 6:48.

For all their first-half dominance, however, the Cowboys got only two field goals by Willis.

The Jets were leading, 10-9, in the third quarter when--aided by a roughing-the-passer call against Jim Jeffcoat--they drove 65 yards in 13 plays. Brad Baxter capped the drive with a two-yard run that gave the Jets a 17-9 lead with 8:04 left.

Freeman McNeil scored on a one-yard run with 1:15 left to seal the victory after Eric McMillan intercepted a pass from Aikman.