Jets Take Off

The Todd Bowles Era started off with a bang, but it came at a price.

The Jets beat up on the visiting Browns for a 31-10 season-opening win, but cornerback Antonio Cromartie suffered what looked like a serious non-contact knee injury and Lorenzo Mauldin went down with a scary head injury that required the rookie to be carted off on a back board and immediately sent to the hospital. He later was diagnosed with a concusssion but had movement in his extremities.

If the Jets lose Cromartie for significant time it would be a blow to the expensive secondary that Mike Maccagnan purchased this offseason.

But beyond the injuries, there were plenty of encouraging signs for the Jets, who trampled their visitors after falling behind early.

“It feels good, you get the butterflies out of the way,” Bowles said. “It wasn’t perfect, by no means, but we did what we had to do to win.”

Ryan Fitzpatrick played well, completing 15 of 24 passes, including some tough throws for a pair of touchdowns, along with one interception. Brandon Marshall carried over his strong preseason showing by making some big receptions, including a touchdown on a fade route over Joe Haden. Chris Ivory pummeled Cleveland’s defense for 91 yards and scored twice.

“Truth be told, man, our offense gave us some serious problems in training camp,” Calvin Pace said. “And that right there showed me they’re for real this year.”

The Jets defense — which received an impressive makeover during the offseason — initially struggled against Josh McCown, and then Johnny Manziel after McCown was knocked out via injury as he fumbled diving for the goal line attempting to score the game’s first touchdown.

But eventually, Bowles saw his defense rise to the occasion, forcing four turnovers against the Browns, who reverted back to their punchless ways.