Indianapolis: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two touchdown passes and the New York Jets forced five Indianapolis turnovers en route to a 20-7 victory over the winless Colts on Monday night.
The Jets took advantage of their opportunities, especially corner back Darrelle Revis, who recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass for the Jets, who improved to 2-0 in the NFL season.
Fitzpatrick finished 22-of-34 for 244 yards with one interception for the Jets, who used their plodding running game to march down the field on offence, while Revis and the defence made life uncomfortable for Colts quarterback Andrew Luck at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“That is special when you start the season 2-0 and you win on the road in Indy against an Andrew Luck-led team,” said wide receiver Brandon Marshall. “It wasn’t a pretty win but we will take it. It is on the road.”
Marshall had seven receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown, and teammate Eric Decker added eight catches for 97 yards and a score.
Fitzpatrick threw two touchdown passes, including a 15-yarder to Marshall with 6:20 remaining in the fourth to cap a seven-play, 80-yard drive after the Colts closed within 10-7.
The Jets intercepted Luck three times, recovered one of his fumbles and also recovered a fumble by running back Frank Gore at the goal line just as it appeared the Colts were going to score a third-quarter touchdown.
The Colts, one of the favourites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl this season, also began the 2014 season with back-to-back losses.
“I don’t think we are necessarily a perfect well-oiled machine right now I don’t think you ever are in week two,” Luck said.
Luck finished 21-of-37 for 250 yards and one touchdown. He committed four of the Colts’ five turnovers — three interceptions and a fumble.
“We got close there for a second. Credit to them for pulling away,” Luck said. “What we got to do is get a win, find a way to get a win.”
Indianapolis drove 91 yards in eight plays for their only score, a 26-yard touchdown pass from Luck to wide receiver Donte Moncrief with 10:07 left in the fourth quarter. Moncrief finished with seven catches for 122 yards.
Fitzpatrick countered with his second touchdown pass to make it 17-7. With 4:35 remaining, Jets free safety Marcus Gilchrist intercepted Luck along the right sideline, protecting a 10-point lead.
After the Gilchrist pick, Nick Folk kicked a 46-yard field goal with 57 seconds to play, stretching New York’s lead to 13 points.
