Jets-Texans Game Recap Defense, Garrett Wilson Heroics Help ...

In a microcosm of how things had gone for the Jets during their five-game losing streak, Malachi Corley's first pro TD went for naught in the second quarter when the rookie dropped the ball before crossing the goal line on an end around. Instead of a 7-0 lead, the Jets defense came onto the field after the touchback with 14:54 remaining in the half.

Later in the second quarter, the Jets failed to take advantage of the fifth-longest punt in franchise history. After Thomas Morstead's 75-yard boom was downed at the Houston 2, C.J. Stroud led the Texans on a 14-play, 98-yard march that culminated on Joe Mixon's 2-yard scoring run. Mixon rushed for 91 yards in the first half on 17 carries and finished with 106 yards on 24 attempts.

The Jets defense 'smothered Stroud from the outset at the onset. Cornerback D.J. Reed got the sack party started with a blitz from the edge and then Micheal Clemons was credited with a strip-sack inside the Jets' red zone that was recovered by Will McDonald. Later Quinnen Williams, coming off a game where he had 1.5 sacks, exploded up the middle for a sack of Stroud as the unit gave the offense an opportunity to get untracked. The Green & White finished with 8 sacks as Williams and Haason Reddick combined for the final sack of the night.

The Jets battled injuries throughout, especially up front along the offensive line. Already playing without starting RG Alijah Vera-Tucker, the Jets lost LG John Simpson (groin) and replacement RG Jake Hanson (hamstring) to injury during the game. The Jets patched things up with Max Mithcell at LG and rookie Olu Fashanu at RG. Adams and DB Isaiah Oliver each were evaluated for a concussion and cleared protocol.

"The performance by the O-Line is a testament to Keith [Carter] and a testament the guys that we have," Ulbrich said. "And the fact that guys were able to play as well as they did. Olu practiced at guard very very little, so for him, especially as a rookie, to play a position that he isn't familiar with it was exceptional."

JetceteraFor a second consecutive week, the Jets started Isaiah Oliver and Jalen Mills at safety. Tony Adams (hamstring) and Ashtyn Davis (concussion) were among the gameday inactives. …. Prior to Thursday night's kickoff, the Jets made several transactions including placing WR Allen Lazard (chest) and DT Leki Fotu (knee) on Injured Reserve. Lazard, who leads the Jets with 5 TDs and was a gameday inactive last Sunday against the Pats, has 30 catches for 412 receiving yards. … The team also signed K Riley Patterson and OL Alec Lindstrom to the active roster. Patterson, who's had stints with five teams and had made 88% of his field-goal attempts entering the night, won a kicking competition this week. …. Following a mini-bye, the Jets will get back to work next Monday in preparation for a Week 10 date against the Cardinals in Arizona.