Embattled Jets quarterback Geno Smith earned a one-week reprieve from criticism Sunday with a strong second-half performance to lead his team to a comeback win over visiting Cleveland.
Smith completed 10 of 16 passes for 92 yards and a 5-yard touchdown pass to David Nelson to put the Jets ahead to stay early in the fourth quarter. He all but iced the game with a 17-yard scoring sprint up the middle after he couldn't find an open receiver with 3:26 remaining.
He finished 20 of 36 for 214 yards, two touchdowns and, for the first time in six games, no interceptions. He added 48 yards rushing on just 10 attempts, mostly in the second half. His first-half highlight was guiding an 80-yard touchdown drive capped by a 6-yard strike to Nelson that brought the offense momentum after a brutal start.
Smith will attempt to build on his sucess to close out the season in Week 17 against Miami.