On Sunday, the New York Jets took on the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park as the regular season drew to a close. The Jets were able to knock off the Bills 13-6. For the past two seasons, this rivalry has been dictated by the visiting team winning each of their games. As for where these two teams stand right now, the Bills have locked up the No. 5 seed in the AFC Playoffs and will play the Houston Texans next week. As for the Jets, they finish the season at 7-9 after a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the season after starting 1-7. Due to this turnaround, HC Adam Gase will be given a vote of confidence to return for the 2020 season and hopefully correct the errors from 2019. Obviously, certain losses stand out more than others such as the previous one to the Bills and two additional losses to winless teams in Cincinnati and Miami. These defeats certainly dictated the direction of the 2019 Jets Season.
While it was not a banner day for Jets QB Sam Darnold and the offense, they were able to make the big plays in order to get the win. Darnold completed 23 of 36 passes for 199 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Moving forward, he should only continue to get better next year, and the year after that. However, it would be wise for the Jets to heavily invest in a stronger O-Line to protect Darnold better if they wish to continue moving in the right direction. As for RB Le’Veon Bell, his first season with the Jets has been a disappointment. In his defense, he did not play at all in the 2018 season so we should at least give him another year before we can make a fair evaluation. Also, it can be questioned as to whether or not Gase utilized the running game in his play calling as much as he should have. In terms of the kicking game, Sam Ficken missed two field goals in today’s game which could have been disastrous. This may also be an area for GM Joe Douglas to invest in during the offseason.
In terms of the Jets defense, they did not let Bills back-up QB Matt Barkley take successful deep shots down the field. Also, Jets DT Quinnen Williams has continued to show his growth on the Jets defensive front and will only get better with more experience. In terms of cornerbacks, Arthur Maulet, Bless Austin, and Brian Poole have done a tremendous job stepping in for the ineffective Darryl Roberts and Trumaine Johnson (don’t even get me started). DC Gregg Williams has turned these no-name players into dynamic playmakers that will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Once again, Jamal Adams will be heading to the Pro-Bowl to represent the Green and White due to his outstanding work as a strong safety. He has been everywhere on the field making all of the big plays when needed. Next year, look for the Jets defense to be even better with the return of LB CJ Mosley and LB Avery Williamson.
It is truly amazing how these same Jets lost to the Bills, Dolphins, and Bengals yet beat the Cowboys, Raiders, and Steelers in the same season. Prior to the start of the season, many fans were optimistic that the Jets would be at least 9-7 and a possible playoff contender. However, what I’ve learned from being a Jets fan for my whole life is that you cannot be overly-optimistic. It does appear that the arrow is pointing up for the Green and White and with the start of a new decade, this could bring the Jets back to the playoffs. Get excited Jets fans…more and more flashes of brilliance have been shown week after week. J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!!! Until next year everybody!
-Jack Henry Cicio
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