Edwards sizzles in Jets debut, 31-27 loss to Miami

MIAMI (AP)—Braylon Edwards(notes) was hopping and dancing on the New York Jets sideline, even getting a hug from quarterback Mark Sanchez(notes) after they hooked up for a touchdown.

By the end of the game, Edwards was waiting for a last-second pass from Sanchez to find some air. It never did, and Edwards ended up on his back in the Jets’ failed comeback bid.

Welcome to New York.

Edwards had five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown and showed some sizzle in his Jets debut, a 31-27 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.

“It felt really good,” Edwards said. “Except for the loss.”

Edwards’ first game with his new team was mostly a success—just without the happy ending.

Sanchez had a 34-yard pass to Edwards that set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Thomas Jones(notes) to give New York a 20-17 lead early in the fourth quarter. Edwards, who was acquired from Cleveland for two draft choices and two players last week, also caught a 3-yard TD pass.

Edwards said he’s already picked up most of the offense—which is similar to what he ran with the Browns.

“I didn’t want to come off during the week as arrogant, but I really understand a lot of things we’re doing,” he said. “It really was a game of just refreshing the memory.”

The big receiver was brought in to help Sanchez, and by the looks of things, he’s got his hands full.

Sanchez was making all the rookie mistakes he avoided in his first three games, and his lack of consistency is a big reason the Jets (3-2) are fading in the AFC East after a 3-0 start. But Sanchez said he can take comfort knowing he has a receiver to turn to when it counts the most.

“Braylon was lights out,” Sanchez said. “I’ve never seen anybody catch the ball like that.”

New York’s offense mostly sputtered. And if it wasn’t for two successful fake punts, the Jets wouldn’t have even had a chance late, when Sanchez’s final heave to the end zone came up at least 10 yards short.

Still, Edwards believes he can be that go-to receiver the Jets have been missing.

“I would hope so,” Edwards said. “That’s for the guys to decide. Talk to the guys about that, and see how they feel. That’s all I can say. Obviously, we didn’t get the win.”

Edwards has plenty to live up to after leaving Cleveland on a bizarre note.

He allegedly punched promoter Edward Givens, a friend of NBA star LeBron James, following an argument in downtown Cleveland last week. Police are looking into the incident, and Edwards has declined to discuss the situation, saying it’s a legal matter.

Now, he said, it’s just about football.

“I think we can only get better,” he said. “And we’re going to have to.”