Parcells Gambles and Jets Fall Again

Bill Parcells’ quarterback gamble didn’t pay off because he had his quarterback try a risky pass.

So risky that it cost the New York Jets what looked to be a certain victory in what has become a lost season.

“You can’t take any risk there,” Parcells said after untested Ray Lucas, in his first NFL start, threw a late interception at the Indianapolis goal line that Jeff Burris returned 55 yards. The return set up Mike Vanderjagt’s 27-yard field goal with 14 seconds remaining as the Colts beat the Jets, 16-13, Sunday.

“They made a good play. We stalled a couple of times on short yardage, that seemed like a perfect opportunity, but I have to live with that one too,” said Parcells, who benched sputtering Rick Mirer for Lucas.

Parcells has to live with a 1-5 team that lost only four times on its way to the AFC title game last year. He has to live with not relying more on Curtis Martin, who had 128 yards in 23 carries. And he has to live with trying Lucas at quarterback because “I thought he could create some things on his own, and he did.”

The Jets had reached the Indianapolis three when, on first down, Parcells had Lucas pass to the left corner to Keyshawn Johnson. Burris cut in front and picked it off to help the Colts improve to 3-2, equaling their victory total of 1998.

Generally a special teamer, Lucas finished 16 for 30 for 137 yards and sprained his left ankle when he was sacked on the final play. He will be examined again today.

Colt quarterback Peyton Manning extended the longest active streak of touchdown passes in the NFL to 18 games with a 22-yarder to Terrence Wilkins.