New York Jets Defeated 23-17 by Houston Texans; Lose Mangold to Ankle Injury

Despite a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown by Joe McKnight and a strong defensive performance, the New York Jets story had a familiar ending — this time with a 23-17 loss to the Houston Texans.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez completed just 14-of-31 passes — once again a completion percentage under 50 — and the Jets could not establish the running game, rushing 23 times for just 69 yards.

Sanchez threw a TD pass to tight end Jeff Cumberland, but he threw two interceptions on tipped passes, including hiss second as he tried to march the Jets (2-3) down the field for the winning score with under two minutes remaining in the game.

The Jets offense has scored two touchdowns in its last 43 possessions and you cannot win in high school football without scoring touchdowns, let alone in the National Football League.

The Jets defense played well, holding the Texans to field goals after Houston drove deep into New York territory on two separate occasions and they gave the team a chance to win the game — and with all the injuries and the way the team has struggled on offense, that is all one can ask. But they could not stop Houston running back Arian Foster, who carried 29 times for 152 yards and a score as the Texans (5-0) ran for 169 yards, the fourth time this season that Gang Green has surrendered more than 150 rushing yards.

Next week, the Jets will try and right the ship and end a two-game losing skid when they host the Indianapolis Colts before heading to Foxboro for a Week 7 matchup with the New England Patriots.

For more Jets coverage, check out Gang Green Nation and stay tuned to SB Nation New York for in-depth analysis of the Monday night game.