Ford Field was nearly empty. Time was still on the clock. A group of Jets fans remained, celebrating their team’s first season-opening win in three years.
Soon, the stunning 48-17 destruction of the Lions was complete.
Todd Bowles beamed. The Jets coach smiled wide and spoke to his team in the visiting locker room, with the occasional interjections of claps and euphoric screams from his players.
“Outstanding start to the season,” Bowles said. “We haven’t done anything. OK. We’re gonna take them one at a time.”
Bowles stopped speaking, and defensive lineman Steve McLendon stepped up, putting the focus on Sunday’s home opener against the Dolphins.