Saints vs. Jets 2013 final score: Drew Brees-led comeback bid falls short, Jets win 26-20
The Jets and their bruising ground attack held off a late rally by the Saints to get back above .500.
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints looked poised for another come-from-behind victory over the New York Jets, but New York's late defensive stand ended the threat and preserved the Jets' 26-20 win.
The Saints hit a 43-yard field goal to pull within six with just over three minutes remaining, and the defense promptly got them the ball back after holding the Jets to a three-and-out. The Saints got the ball on their own 19-yard line with 1:58 remaining, but could not muster any sort of drive thanks in large part to a costly holding penalty that set up a 4th-and-19. A Jets defense that applied constant pressure all day hurried Brees into an off-target throw to end the drive.
The Jets used a strong running game to help keep the ball out of Brees' hands, rushing for 198 yards on the ground. Chris Ivory was once again the feature back, piling up 139 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
The loss drops New Orleans to 6-2. The Jets’ back-and-forth season continues as they improve to 5-4.
Jimmy Graham, who has been somewhat hobbled recently with a foot injury, exploded in the first half for a pair of touchdowns. His first put the Saints up 7-3 after he caught a bomb from Brees than dragged a defender across the goal line to finish off a 51-yard touchdown reception. After Nick Folk hit his second field goal of the day for the Jets, Graham struck again on a 10-yard score to make it 14-6.
The Jets answered with a pair of three-yard rushing touchdowns to close the half on a 14-point run. Ivory finished off an eight-play drive with 2:43 left in the half to pull the Jets to within a point. Antonio Cromartie then picked off Brees on the ensuing possession, and Geno Smith would cash in with a touchdown scamper with 42 seconds remaining in the half.
Folk and Garrett Harley traded field goals in the third quarter to make it 23-17, New York.
Injury report
Jets receiver Jeremy Kerley left after suffering what is believed to be a hyper-extended elbow and did not return to the game.
Running back Darren Sproles was knocked out of the game with a concussion on the Saints' opening drive. He did not return.
Fantasy studs and duds
Even in defeat, Brees managed 382 yards and two scores, though he cost his team with two picks. Any concern over Graham’s injury can be buried -- he finished with nine receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
Ivory carried the Jets offense against his former team, rushing for 139 yards and a score. He’s completely wrestled the carry distribution away from Bilal Powell, getting 18 touches to Powell’s nine.
Did they cover?
The Saints entered the day as seven-point favorites, according to Oddsshark.com, and did not cover in defeat.
What’s next?
Sunday, Nov. 10, 8:30 p.m. ET: Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints
The Jets are on bye in Week 10.
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