EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Kyle Orton was efficient and the Buffalo Bills’ defense opportunistic.
The New York Jets? Well, they were just simply dreadful.
Orton completed only 10 passes, but four were for touchdowns, while the Jets had six turnovers — three each by Geno Smith and Michael Vick — in a 43-23 rout Sunday.
“He went out there, made his throws and threw for four touchdowns,” Bills coach Doug Marrone said. “He knew exactly what he wanted to do. When you have a veteran quarterback like that, he’s going to make the right plays.”
Orton finished 10 of 17 for 238 yards, connecting with Robert Woods, Lee Smith, Scott Chandler and Sammy Watkins while tying a career high with the four TD tosses. He’s the first player with at least four touchdown passes and 10 or fewer completions in a game since Pittsburgh’s Bubby Brister against Cleveland in 1990.
Orton also won for the third time in four games since replacing EJ Manuel as the starting quarterback for the Bills (5-3).
“His poise is great,” Watkins said. “He has been great for us.”
Watkins had three catches for 157 yards, but was embarrassed when he was caught from behind while celebrating early on what appeared would be a long touchdown.
Stephon Gilmore, Preston Brown, Aaron Williams and Da’Norris Searcy had interceptions for the Bills, who sent the Jets (1-7) to their seventh straight loss.
“No doubt, our defense is incredible and one of the best in the league,” Orton said.
The Jets have lost seven in a row for the first time since 2005, in Herm Edwards’ final season as coach.
“Let me tell you,” coach Rex Ryan said, “I’m getting sick and tired of the losing, that’s for sure.”
Smith threw interceptions on three consecutive possessions in the first quarter and was pulled in favor of Vick, who was picked off once and lost two fumbles.
“We’re not a bad football team,” Jets wide receiver Eric Decker said. “We just do stupid stuff.”
Here are a few things to know about the Bills’ victory over the Jets:
GENO OR VICK?: Ryan said he had “no idea” who his starting quarterback would be at Kansas City next Sunday.
Smith has fallen flat in his second season with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, along with two lost fumbles. He was 2 of 8 for 5 yards and the three interceptions before he got a quick hook in the first quarter.
“We didn’t execute,” Smith said. “And when I say ‘we,’ I mean myself because it was just atrocious the way I started out.”
New York announced after the game that Smith had X-rays on his right shoulder after the game, but did not immediately announce results. The injury was not believed to have affected Smith’s performance.
Vick, 18 of 36 for 153 yards along with 69 yards rushing, was an early spark but also made his share of mistakes.
WATKINS’ WHOOPS: There will be plenty of laughs in the Bills’ film room after this one.
Watkins hauled in a long pass from Orton and took off down the field in the second quarter. But the rookie receiver looked up at the videoboard and pointed in premature celebration as New York wide receiver Saalim Hakim, put in on defense, caught him from behind. The play ended up as an 84-yard reception.
“I thought I was by myself and the guy ran me down and caught me,” Watkins said. “I was shocked.”
Two plays later, Frank Summers had a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 21-7.
“It was a relief that we scored because I was upset,” Watkins said. “I know I won’t let it happen again.”
HERE’S HARVIN: Percy Harvin, acquired last weekend by the Jets from Seattle, caught three passes for 22 yards and had 28 yards rushing on four carries in his New York debut. He also returned six kicks and averaged 24.0 yards.
He left briefly early to be evaluated for a concussion, but was fine.
“I felt comfortable,” Harvin said, “but I definitely have some corrections to make.”
BILLS’ BANGED-UP BACKFIELD: Buffalo ran for only 67 yards a week after losing its top two running backs — Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller — to injuries.
Anthony Dixon got the bulk of the work, running for 44 yards on 22 carries. Bryce Brown, active for the first time all season, gained 15 yards on seven carries.
TRICK, NO TREAT: The Jets tried to catch the Bills off guard midway through the third quarter on special teams when Harvin fielded a kickoff deep in the end zone. Meanwhile, teammate T.J. Graham was flat on his stomach trying to camouflage himself in the green end zone.
Harvin took the kickoff out of the end zone and appeared ready to toss it to Graham, thinking the Bills didn’t notice him. But Buffalo swarmed Harvin, who had to keep the ball and was tackled at the 3.
“The defense sniffed it out pretty well,” Harvin said.
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