12/30 — The Chiefs, who had 38 yards, three first downs and 0-for-7 on third-down conversions, open the second half with two first downs before Brodie Croyle throws three incompletions, getting flagged on one for intentional grounding.

But the Jets, who had 169 first-half yards and 11 first downs, don't do any better on their first drive as Kellen Clemens has two balls nearly intercepted. The first was tipped by Joe Kowalewski, with Ty Law nearly vulturing an INT, except that not even the former Jets CB could hold onto to the wobbly, soaking wet ball. Then Derrick Johnson can't hold a hot pick over the middle.

The Jets get two more penalty gifts from the seemingly less disciplined Chiefs. A hold by Napoleon Harris wipes out Eddie Drummond's punt return to the Jets 37 and starts KC out at its 18.

An Eric Mangini replay challenge of a Dwayne Bowe third-down reception for a first down is reversed by referee Larry Nemmers — it's Mangini's first reversal this season and the third of his career against nine challenges that have been upheld.

That sets up the next special teams gift, as Dustin Colquitt punts, Leon Washington returns out of bounds — and gets blasted there by Nate Harris for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness call.

That sets up the Green & White at the KC 45, but Thomas Jones gets the ball four straight times and gets fewer yards each time — 7, 2, 0 and minus-2 after a TFL by Tamba Hali — as the Jets fail to capitalize on the Chiefs' largesse.

Kansas City finally converts a third down with Croyle throwing and Jeff Webb going up high to grab it in front of Darrelle Revis. But then, flush with success, Croyle can't hit his next third-down pass and gets crushed by blitzing David Harris for his troubles, and Colquitt punts into the end zone, so the Jets keep holding onto their 10-3 lead with a little over five minutes left.

Jerricho Cotchery keeps popping up. On the first play after the punt, it's with a 19-yard reception from Clemens. Then it's a literal popping-up, after Cotchery takes a quick swing and is immediately hit "right in the kisser" by CB Patrick Surtain for a yard loss.

Shortly after that loss, Ben Graham gets off his best hang-time punt of the season, a 5.1-second kick. Trouble is, the coverage can't keep it out of the end zone for a touchback.

The Chiefs drive to within 3 yards of midfield but again their offense can't execute in the clutch. Croyle, flushed from the pocket with another blitz, is hit by Shaun Ellis as he tries to fit a pass to TE Kris Wilson that is batted down by Drew Coleman on the last play of the third quarter. The score remains 10-3.