New York Jets disciplinary actions and Week 5 performance

The New York Jets have faced multiple NFL fines following losses in early season matchups. During a Week 2 contest against the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Geno Smith was fined $11,491 for ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ related to taunting.

By Week 4, following a loss to the Chicago Bears, three Jets defenders received additional disciplinary actions. Safety Dane Belton was fined $19,389 for using his helmet as first contact, while Minkah Fitzpatrick ($17,911) and Darrell Jackson ($6,683) were penalized for hip-drop tackles.

In a Week 5 matchup at MetLife Stadium, the Jets snapped a three-game losing streak with a 17-12 victory over the Cleveland Browns. In the rain-soaked contest, Geno Smith completed 17 of 30 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown. Running back Braelon Allen led the offense with a career-high 116 rushing yards, including a 22-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The winning drive followed a botched punt snap by Browns’ Corey Bojorquez, which was recovered by Trevin Wallace.

The Jets' defense recorded eight sacks against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, led by rookie David Bailey with three sacks, and a strip-sack by Will McDonald IV to seal the win. The Browns finished the game with a season-low 198 total yards, ending Deshaun Watson’s streak of three consecutive fourth-quarter game-winning drives.

The game was marked by controversy regarding a heavy hit by Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion. The hit resulted in an unnecessary roughness penalty and forced Concepcion to enter concussion protocol. While Browns offensive lineman Dawand Jones criticized the hit as being ‘beyond the scope of football,’ head coach Todd Monken described it as a ‘bang-bang play.’ Additionally, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn expressed intense frustration with officiating during halftime, citing uncalled fouls by the Browns.