It was a week filled with media drama for the Jets and some in New York wondered if the distraction would be too much for them on Sunday in St. Louis.
Through one half, the answer is no. The much-maligned Jets offense outgained the Rams in the first two quarters and Mark Sanchez hit on 9-of-13 passes to help put the team up 13-7 at the break. Sanchez threw a 25-yard touchdown to Chaz Schilens and set up one of Nick Folk’s two field goals with a 32-yarder down the middle of the field to Jeremy Kerley. Sanchez wound up with 118 yards in his best half of work since the Patriots loss last month.
The lead could be bigger, but Folk had a field goal blocked by Janoris Jenkins and the Jets line allowed three sacks to keep drives from gathering much steam. Two Rams turnovers -- a Sam Bradford fumble and interception -- helped the Jets overcome those miscues and the Rams cost themselves a shot at the lead when a holding penalty on Rodney McLeod wiped out a touchdown on a kickoff return for Chris Givens.
Bradford has just 76 yards on 9-of-16 passing as the Jets have forced them to keep things short. Danny Amendola’s return from a first half ankle injury will make it easier for the Rams to take advantage of that. If the Jets offense can keep from shooting itself in the foot, though, they may not be able to get themselves back into the lead.