Jets’ Defense Fills Gap Against Bengals, 17-14 : AFC: New York makes up for loss of offensive leaders, holds off Cincinnati rally.

Running back Blair Thomas did not play because of a groin injury, and wide receiver Al Toon was out with a concussion.

The New York Jets, therefore, were forced to rely on their defense Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Jet defense came through with several big plays, giving Coach Bruce Coslet a 17-14 victory over the team for which he played and coached.

“We called for a lot of blitzes and they worked,” Coslet said. “Both teams know the other can’t throw effectively.”

The Jets, who have not had a shutout in 10 years, carried one into the final quarter. But the Bengals, using a no-huddle offense, rallied behind running back Derrick Fenner and had a chance to win on their final possession.

Fenner, who gained 92 yards in eight fourth-quarter carries, scored for the Bengals on a five-yard run to make the score, 17-7. Fenner then gained all 44 yards on an ensuing drive, including a 17-yard touchdown run with 5:21 to play, making the score 17-14.

The Jets (3-7) drove to the Bengals’ 19 after Fenner’s second touchdown--helped by Pat Chaffey’s 32-yard run--but Cary Blanchard missed a 36-yard field goal.

The Jets, who allowed only 227 yards, then stopped a last-ditch drive by the Bengals (4-6).

“The defense really got us motivated in the fourth quarter,” Fenner said. “Then things started to click once we got it going with the two-minute offense. It just wasn’t enough in the end.”

Browning Nagle of the Jets completed eight of 24 passes for 98 yards before leaving on the Jets’ final drive because of a bruised foot.

Boomer Esiason completed 11 of 33 passes for 109 yards for the Bengals and was sacked three times.