Jets Stand Ground Against the Saints

It turned out to be the kicking game, not the running game, and a staunch defense that was decisive for the New York Jets.

John Hall kicked field goals of 39, 47 and 23 yards and New York’s defense had its second straight strong outing in beating the New Orleans Saints, 16-9, Sunday night.

The Jets (5-3) are 4-0 on the road this season. The Saints (4-3) are 1-2 at home this season, 5-7 at home overall under Coach Jim Haslett.

The outcome was in doubt until the wild final moments.

The Saints drove to the Jet six-yard line with just over a minute remaining. Quarterback Aaron Brooks ran for a yard, and Damien Robinson grabbed Brooks’ face mask, twisting it as he pulled him to the ground as an official’s flag flew.

New Orleans tackle Kyle Turley immediately jumped on Robinson, starting a shoving match that involved both teams and an official. Turley emerged from the pile without his helmet and was carrying a Jet helmet, which he threw downfield.

He also made an obscene gesture and was ejected. The Saints were penalized 15 yards, back to the 20. Brooks threw two incompletions and was sacked by John Abraham on their final offensive play.

The Jets spread around the running game. Curtis Martin, the leading rusher in the NFL, was held to 66 yards in 21 carries. But rookie Lamont Jordan gained 75 yards in seven carries.

The Jets had the worst rushing defense in the league, but looked tough against Ricky Williams, who led the NFC in rushing. Williams was held to 58 yards in 19 carries.

They also sacked Brooks six times and forced four turnovers.

The Jets took a 6-0 lead early. New York’s first drive set up a 39-yard field goal by Hall. After Joe Horn fumbled on the Saints’ first possession, Hall kicked a 47-yarder.

New York added a touchdown in the second quarter. Vinny Testaverde hit Laveranues Coles with a seven-yard fade pass for a 13-0 lead at halftime.

Testaverde completed 13 of 22 for 145 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

The Saints ended three of their five first-half possessions with giveaways: Horn’s fumble and two interceptions by Brooks, the last on second and 13 with 51 seconds left in the half.

Brooks completed 12 of 28 passes for 164 yards.

The Saints hit the end zone for the first time on a one-yard dive by Williams in the third quarter, cutting the Jet lead to 13-7.

New Orleans added two more points on a safety. Defensive end Darren Howard chased Testaverde into the end zone, and Testaverde threw the ball away, but it did not reach the line of scrimmage. He was called for intentional grounding in the end zone, an automatic safety.