Lions 10 Jets 7
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. It was representative of such a sloppy gamein wet
conditions that the guy who scored the only touchdown botched hisspike.
Of course, Jeff Hartings is a guard, and the only reason he hadthe ball in the end zone Sunday was because he recovered JamesStewart's fumble. That was enough for the Detroit Lions to edge theNew York Jets 10-7.
Detroit (9-6) kept its postseason hopes alive and severely damagedthose of the Jets (9-6). The Lions, who beat the other Meadowlandstenant, the Giants, 31-21 a month ago, rode Stewart's career-best 164yards rushing and some timely takeaways.
Stewart fumbled while diving toward the end zone from the New York1 with 5:43 to go. But Hartings dived on the loose ball for the firsttouchdown of his five-year career.
"I wish there was a last time," he said of his personal scoringmemories. "It will probably be the only time. I had a lot oftouchdowns in the backyard with my brothers."
The touchdown would not have come without Pro Bowl linebackerStephen Boyd's interception at the Jets' 46 with 10:32 to go. TheLions, who led the NFC in takeaways and interceptions coming in, nowhave 39 takeaways and 25 interceptions.
New York moved to the Detroit 17 in the final moments, but JohnHall missed wide left on a 35-yard field-goal attempt with nineseconds remaining.
"I thought I heard a double thud, like someone got a finger onit," said Hall, who also missed from 47 yards in the first half."I'll hit my next pressure kick, and everyone will forget about this.I feel like Sunday can't get here quickly enough."
Next Sunday, the Lions are home for the Bears and the Jets are atBaltimore. The Lions need to win and get help to squeeze into theplayoffs. But at least they're alive. The Jets must win or get lotsof help elsewhere.
NOTABLE: The Jets lost linebacker Bryan Cox with a broken rightleg.
QUOTABLE: Lions linebacker Stephen Boyd: "(The defense has) someguys hurt, and the younger guys just did a great job."
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