The New York Jets (5-9) lead the Washington Commanders (4-10) 27-7 at halftime of their Week 16 encounter.
Washington began the game on offense, with quarterback Sam Howell’s first pass to wide receiver Curtis Samuel dropped. It would prove to be an ominous beginning for the Commanders.
On the very next play, Howell’s pass to tight end Logan Thomas bounced off his hands into the waiting arms of a Jets defender, and New York was off to the races.
Washington’s defense actually held the Jets to a field goal on that play, but it didn’t last.
On the next Commanders’ series, they’d go three-and-out, and New York would block a Tress Way punt. The Jets quickly scored.
The Commanders went three-and-out again, and Jets RB Breece Hall would score on a 36-yard touchdown run to make it 17-0 just five minutes into the game.
The Jets had only scored one first-quarter touchdown all season entering this game.
The Commanders continued to struggle on offense, and the defense wasn’t much better. Washington went 0-for-6 on third downs, Howell completed just five of 17 passes for 51 yards. He was under pressure throughout the half, and the Commanders’ receivers dropped multiple passes.
New York begins the second half with the football.