Jets vs Browns: Top 5 takeaways from Week 8 matchup

In the Browns vs Jets Week 8 matchup, Gang Green came out on top thanks to sticking to their fundamentals once again. Here are the top five takeaways from the contest.

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14), running back Matt Forte (22) and guard Brian Winters (67) celebrate Forte

The Jets finally broke into a winning streak and defeated the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 by the score of 31-28. From the first snap of the game to the final whistle, the Jets fought hard on both sides on the football and wore out the winless Cleveland Browns. Again, it was like night and day for this team from what they have looked like these past few weeks.

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With this win, the Jets are 3-5 and can rest up for the week and get ready to face the Miami Dolphins. In this game, there were improvements but they still made many mistakes to work on. Another small step was made for them to improve as a team. They will look to continue to build on this two-game winning streak and try to save their season.

This is a great opportunity for the Jets to finish the first half of the season with a .500 record. Let’s take a deeper look and break down the top five takeaways from this Week 8 contest.

Next: 5. Ryan Fitzpatrick actually steps up

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) scrambles as Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah (90) chases during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ryan Fitzpatrick actually steps up

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was again finally able to lead his team to a victory with a good performance. He was careful with the football and made smart decisions.

Fitzpatrick was able to go for 16 for 34 in passing and threw for 228 yards and one touchdown. Another important statistic was Fitzpatrick not throwing any interceptions.

He finished with a 46.1 quarterback rating which is a tremendous drop from the week before. Fitzpatrick struggled in the beginning but in the second half, he played better.

He will need to build on this performance because the next few weeks will decide the fate of his Jets career. Fitzpatrick will need to have a much better performance when they are on the road again to play the Miami Dolphins.

The offense kept the ball for a great amount of time and kept the defense relaxed. The had the ball for 33 minutes and 41 seconds compared to the Browns that had the ball only for 26 minutes and 19 seconds.

Next: 4. Jets defensive line steps up when it was needed

4. Jets defense front line steps up when it was needed

After struggling the first half of the game, the Jets defense stepped up in a big way. They were able to make key defensive stops and set the rhythm for the second half of the game.

With putting pressure on quarterback Josh McCown, a lot the defense caused him to throw multiple interceptions. The defense only gave up 68 yards in rushing, and a total of 339 total yards in passing.

They improved in the second half big time and made the correct adjustments which were very impressive. They finally stepped up and delivered a good performance for the most part.

The one quarterback sack they had caused a Browns drive to be stalled. They need to continue to use their speed and agility because they could cause major problems against any opponent in the NFL.

Next: 3. Wide receivers show up in a big way once again

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) stiff arms Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

3. Wide receivers show up in a big way once again

The wide receiver corps of Quincy Enunwa, Brandon Marshall, and Robby Anderson showed up once again when their numbers were called. These three players combined to total 192 yards of the 393 yards in total offense.

Anderson and Marshall were quiet these past few weeks and Sunday they rose to the occasion. The both had big plays as Marshall had a 31-yard reception to keep the drive alive and Anderson had a 16-yard reception to also keep a drive alive.

Anderson is still a long way from being trusted but he made a big catch continuing the momentum. If Fitzpatrick and his wide receivers are able to continue their success, then they will have a much better offense.

They need to be a more physical group these next two games before heading into the bye week. It is time for the entire group of receivers to step up and make the best out of everything going on.

Next: 2. Commitment to the running game leads to success

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) gets tackled by Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Joe Schobert (53) and defensive end Jamie Meder (98) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

2. Commitment to the running game leads to success

These past two weeks it has been like night and day in how the running game has been producing for the Jets. Running backs Matt Forte and Bilal Powell had a combined 31 carries for 158 yards and for three combined touchdowns.

They were very effective throughout the game and the running holes opened up quicker. Forte and Powell looked like the past when they were being physical and gaining major yardage for how smart they both were with the football.

Forte is a more efficient runner and Powell is a dynamic runner who can make people miss. If they are both able to this every game then these players could make the offense efficient.

They need to establish this type of game plan again because it will allow the defense to be fresh and dominate for another week. If they could continue this type of play, then it will allow the passing game to open up more and be effective as well.

Next: 1. Head coach Todd Bowles voices his frustrations

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. Head coach Todd Bowles voices his frustrations

Head coach Todd Bowles isn’t much of an emotional type of person. Sunday, he let it out and made his presence felt at the halftime since his team was playing some pretty terrible football.

He gave a halftime speech in the locker room that the team said sparked a fire and made them play harder. He was frustrated with how many points he gave up in the first half to a team who is amongst the worse in the league on offense.

Several players on the team were shocked and understanding for the way the team was playing. It took them by surprise and everyone started to play on another level.

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The defense played faster and quicker and caused turnovers. He seemed more vocal which is what this team needs to see. If he continues to do this the Jets could possibly be a better team down the road.