EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Interstat) — In a matchup of struggling teams desperate for a spark, the New York Jets used a dominant defensive performance and a pair of explosive special teams touchdowns to outlast the Cleveland Browns 27-20 on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 72,623, saw both teams exit with identical 2-7 records, but it was the Jets who made the critical plays in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

The tone was set early and in dramatic fashion. After the Browns engineered a methodical 11-play, 75-yard opening drive, capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel to David Njoku, the Jets responded instantly. On the ensuing kickoff, Kene Nwangwu fielded the ball at the 1-yard line and raced 99 yards for a touchdown, tying the game and immediately erasing Cleveland’s early momentum.

The Jets’ defense, led by a ferocious pass rush, then began to take over. Defensive end Will McDonald IV was a constant disruptive force, recording four sacks, while the unit as a whole harassed Gabriel throughout the contest.

Cleveland managed to reclaim the lead in the second quarter, capitalizing on a critical turnover. Jets quarterback Justin Fields, making his first start for New York, was intercepted by safety Ronnie Hickman, who returned it to the New York 22-yard line. On the very next play, Gabriel connected with Jerry Jeudy for a 22-yard touchdown strike, putting the Browns ahead 14-7.

The Jets’ offense, largely stymied in the first half, managed a 26-yard field goal from Nick Folk to cut the deficit to 14-10. Cleveland then added a 45-yard field goal from Andre Szmyt as time expired in the half to take a 17-10 lead into the locker room.

A defensive struggle ensued throughout the third quarter, with neither team able to find the end zone. The Jets’ defense continued to set the tempo, repeatedly forcing punts and keeping the game within reach.

The momentum swung decisively in New York’s favor early in the fourth quarter. Fields, who had a quiet day through the air, found a wide-open Breece Hall on a short pass that the dynamic running back turned into a 42-yard touchdown, giving the Jets their first lead of the day at 24-17.

The Jets’ special teams unit struck again moments later. After a Cleveland punt, Isaiah Williams fielded the ball at the New York 23 and weaved his way through the coverage for a 77-yard punt return touchdown, stunning the Browns and extending the lead to 27-17.

Cleveland, reeling from the sudden turn of events, mounted a final push. Gabriel led a drive deep into Jets territory, but the New York defense stiffened, forcing the Browns to settle for a 29-yard Szmyt field goal with just under three minutes remaining, pulling Cleveland within a touchdown at 27-20.

The Browns’ last hope was extinguished when they were unable to recover the ensuing onside kick. The Jets’ offense, led by Hall, then managed the clock effectively, picking up two critical first downs to run out the clock and seal the win.

Statistically, the game was a tale of defensive pressure and offensive struggles. The Jets’ defense sacked Gabriel seven times, with McDonald’s four sacks leading the charge. Gabriel finished with a touchdown pass but was consistently under duress. For the Jets, Fields completed 6 of 11 passes for 54 yards with one touchdown and one interception, adding 28 yards on the ground. Hall was the workhorse for New York, carrying the ball 21 times for 83 yards and adding the crucial 42-yard receiving touchdown.

The victory provides a positive note for the Jets as they prepare for a short week, traveling to face the New England Patriots on Thursday afternoon. The Browns, meanwhile, will look to regroup before hosting the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday.