Browns vs Jets: Top 5 key takeaways

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs with the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Browns 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The Browns vs Jets game started off a bit slow but when it mattered most in the second half, Gang Green stepped up and delivered. Whatever head coach Todd Bowles told his team at the half when the score was 14-10 Jets, clearly worked since the second half is when the team really took off.

With a consistent offensive game-plan and the defense finally waking up in the second half, the Jets took care of business to start their regular season off with a victory. It wasn’t perfect but the Jets got it done and now prepare for a true test against the upcoming Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 action.

Take a look at the top 5 takeaways from this game that saw the Jets get a big win to the tune of 31-10!

Next: 5. The impact of Brandon Marshall

Dec 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) runs the ball against Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) as cornerback Jordan Poyer (33) comes up to make the play in the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

5. The impact of Brandon Marshall

It’s been a very long time since the Jets had a legitimate No. 1 premier receiver that opened everything up offense. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall has made his impact known the moment he arrived onto the scene.

Against the Browns, Marshall was the Jets’ leading receiver that saw him total 62 receiving yards on 6 receptions and a touchdown. His big frame helped keep those chains moving and also throw off defenders due to his presence alone.

If Marshall continues at this rate, there will be no question that he’ll end up being one of the top acquisitions the Jets have made this off season.

Next: 4. Ryan Fitzpatrick gets the job done

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Browns 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ryan Fitzpatrick gets the job done

The Jets don’t really need extraordinary play at the quarterback position for them to win plenty of football games this season. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick proved that he’s more than capable of running the Jets’ offense thanks to everything he brings to the table.

Fitzpatrick’s work ethic is great since he’s always calm, cool and collective even in the heat of the moment. He exudes confidence in his throws and seems to keep everyone in check when executing. Fitzpatrick got the job done and will more than likely continue his consistency week in, week out as long as he’s healthy.

Fitzpatrick went 15-24 against the Browns for 179 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He ended the game with a nice 95.7 quarterback rating and proved why to this day, sometimes a veteran quarterback that plays efficiently is all you need to put yourself in a position for a win.

Next: 3. The emergence of Calvin Pryor

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets safety Calvin Pryor (25) rallies fans against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

3. The emergence of Calvin Pryor

I’ll be one of the first to admit that I didn’t think safety Calvin Pryor had it in him to play at an NFL level after his terrible rookie season of last year. I thought he might end up as a bust of a draft pick since he showed flashes of brilliance but never had the consistency to live up to his nickname of being a hard-hitting tackler that could wreak havoc against anyone coming his way.

Pryor had a phenomenal game against the Browns that actually saw him lead the team in tackles at 10. Granted, the Browns’ offense isn’t anything to go crazy over but it’s games like these that build major confidence for the future. Perhaps a game like this will fuel Pryor to keep at it and produce even bigger results throughout the season.

If Pryor can build on this game and continue the momentum, it’ll prove to yield incredible defensive results all season long and who knows, might make him have a breakout year. He definitely did a great job and proved this sportswriter wrong in my early assessments of his talents.

Next: 2. Stepping up despite injuries

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) lays on the ground in pain after injuring his knee during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

2. Stepping up despite injuries

Unfortunately, injuries are a part of the game of professional football and the Jets got hit with two big ones in this matchup. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie was hit with a severe knee injury that is being reported as a sprained knee. It has yet to be determined how much time he’ll miss but he’s been ruled as week-to-week.

Linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin was also hit with an injury that was also a major scare as he went down from a tackle and wasn’t moving at all. He was immediately rushed to a hospital as early reports indicate he more than likely has a concussion and nothing too serious as originally thought.

Aside from those two key injuries, it was good to see the Jets show the quality of their depth chart as players underneath them definitely stepped up and filled their voids in nicely.

Next: 1. The return of Fireman Ed

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fans react to a play during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

1. The return of Fireman Ed

For a few years now, things just didn’t quite feel the same at MetLife Stadium during home games for the Jets. It’s easy to see why the famous “J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS” chant still resonates throughout football games but without the man that famously led it, it just wasn’t really the same.

Well, not anymore. The Browns vs Jets game saw the triumphant return of Fireman Ed, who not only led the famous chant to start the game but also donned his usual attire, like he did in the past. It was a great sight to see for Jets fans that once again, brought hope and the incredible feeling that the Jets are on the right track towards becoming contenders again.

From this die hard Jets fan let me be the first of many to say, welcome back Fireman Ed. You’ve been sorely missed.

Next: New York Jets: Chris Ivory discusses solid performance

Browns vs Jets: Top 5 key takeaways

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