Jets’ Poor Performance Exceeded by Panthers

Even after stumbling to victory, the New York Jets found satisfaction.

New York, which had a league-low three turnovers in its first six games, had four on Sunday and failed to score an offensive touchdown. The Jets still managed to beat Carolina, 13-12, to extend the Panthers’ losing streak to six games.

“Sometimes you have to win ugly,” said Vinny Testaverde, who threw three interceptions. “Last year, we were sitting here at 9-7 saying if had just won one more game we’d have been in [the playoffs]. Maybe this is that game.”

John Hall kicked two field goals, the second with 4:53 left, and Chris Hayes returned a blocked punt for a touchdown for New York (4-3).

But it was a hapless performance for both teams, especially Carolina (1-6).

Facing the league’s worst defense--the Jets had allowed 385 yards a game--Carolina failed to move the ball or fully capitalize on New York’s turnovers. The Panthers totaled just 162 yards, 92 on the ground against the league’s worst run defense, and failed to score an offensive touchdown.

“Obviously, this is quite difficult and it isn’t getting any easier,” Carolina Coach George Seifert said. “I thought that there was some great effort out there, we just didn’t have any execution.”

Carolina’s only touchdown came in the first quarter when Rashard Anderson picked up Richie Anderson’s fumble and returned it 94 yards for a score. The rest of the scoring was limited to John Kasay’s two field goals.

But the Jets weren’t much better. Except for Hall’s two second-half field goals and Curtis Martin’s 159 yards rushing, most of the game was more fitting for a football follies film than anything else.

“We certainly shot ourselves in the foot through this one,” New York Coach Herman Edwards said. “We’re pretty lucky to get out of here with the win.”

Richie Anderson opened the game by fumbling away a pass from Testaverde after the Jets moved to the Carolina six-yard line.

Rashard Anderson picked it up and ran it back for the 94-yard touchdown--the longest fumble return in franchise history.