The New York Jets held on to win their first game of the season, 24-22 over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, energized by the return of quarterback Sam Darnold from his bout with mono.
Darnold passed for 338 yards, two touchdowns and gave the Jets (1-4) an NFL-caliber offense, which they lacked in his three-game absence, and provided hope as they prepare for a schedule that softens in November.
Playing with plastic protection over his previously enlarged spleen, Darnold orchestrated three touchdown drives in the first half, including a 92-yard scoring pass to Robby Anderson.