Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets Match Player Stats On Sep 09, 2012

SportsDirect Inc. staff
Sep 9, 2012

Jets 48, Bills 28: Mark Sanchez threw three touchdown passes and host New York - with Tim Tebow and the Wildcat offense in a limited role - shredded Buffalo's defense en route to its sixth straight victory over the Bills.

New York's Jeremy Kerley scored two touchdowns, including a 68-yard punt return, and fellow wide receiver Stephen Hill recorded his first two career TDs as the Jets took advantage of four Buffalo turnovers and scored the most points in a season opener in franchise history.

Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions before throwing any of his three touchdown passes for the Bills, who lost leading rusher Fred Jackson to a right knee injury in the second quarter. The initial diagnosis was a sprained lateral collateral ligament. An MRI was scheduled for Monday.

Fitzpatrick's third pick was returned 42 yards for a touchdown by Antonio Cromartie to put the Jets ahead 34-7 early in the third quarter.

Sanchez didn't lead the Jets to a touchdown in his 15 preseason possessions, but was sharp Sunday - although not right away. New York's first drive began with Tebow lined up as a slot receiver and ended seven plays later when Sanchez was intercepted by Bryan Scott.

Sanchez was 19-of-27 for 266 yards and completed passes to seven different receivers.

Tebow rushed five times for 11 yards. He also appeared on special teams when the Jets punted for the first time in the fourth quarter and recovered an onside kick with 5:58 remaining.

Jackson left the game early in the second quarter after taking a big hit during a tackle by LaRon Landry. He walked to the locker room under his own power midway through the period and did not return.

Four plays after Jackson was injured, C.J. Spiller broke through the Jets' defense for a 56-yard touchdown run to bring the Bills within 21-7. Spiller rushed for a career-high 169 yards on 14 carries.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Jets CB Darrelle Revis took a cleat to the helmet in the fourth quarter and left the game. ... Bills WR David Nelson left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. ... Fitzpatrick was 18 of 32 passing for 195 yards. ... Jackson ran for 917 yards in the first nine games last season before breaking his leg in Week 10 against Miami. ... Kerley scored one receiving touchdown during his rookie season of 2011. ... Spiller, who recorded his second career 100-yard game, added a 49-yard run in the third quarter. ... Buffalo coach Chan Gailey fell to 0-6 against the Jets. ... New York coach Rex Ryan improved to 3-1 in season openers. ... The Jets scored their most points in the 104-game history of the series, which the Bills lead 54-50.