A week of internal strife led to a breakthrough performance for the New York Jets.
After owner Woody Johnson criticized starting quarterback Justin Fields and coach Aaron Glenn didn't tip his hand on who would start behind center Sunday, the Jets parlayed a long-awaited offensive breakout into a 39-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, ending the team's 0-7 skid to start the season.
New York trailed from the early moments of the first quarter until 1:54 left in the fourth, when running back Breece Hall threw a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Mason Taylor for the lead.
The Jets forced a turnover on downs at midfield on the ensuing drive to seal the first win of Glenn's coaching career.
New York's offense, which broke its 10-quarter touchdown drought, scored on seven of its final eight drives prior to Fields kneeling down to secure the outcome.
The Jets ran for 254 yards and two touchdowns on 37 total carries. Fields, who retained his starting job with veteran Tyrod Taylor sidelined by a knee injury, threw for 244 yards and a touchdown on 21-of-32 passing.
Cincinnati dropped to 3-5, squandering a prime opportunity to build on last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to return to the fringe of the AFC playoff picture.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winless no more: Jets stun Bengals to end 0-7 start to season
Reporting by Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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