Last Sunday, the New York Jets took on the New England Patriots at Gilette Stadium. In my lifetime as a Jets fan, I have seen a lot of embarrassing games and today’s game was right up there with a 54-13 loss. This was the first time since 1995 that the Jets have allowed 50+ points in a game. 1995 was also the first year of Rich Kotite as our head coach. This was a time in which a 4-28 record was compiled during his two seasons at the helm.
The worst part about last week’s game though was the knee injury to QB Zach Wilson. Before leaving the game early in the second quarter, he had completed 6 of 10 passes for 51 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. On a positive note, this was the first NFL game that Wilson has not thrown an interception in. However, backup QB Mike White did not fare much better. While he completed 20 of 32 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown, he also threw 2 killer interceptions. Moving forward, the Jets need to make sure that Wilson’s injury isn’t too severe and that he is able to play next week. If not, the Jets may need to search elsewhere for a more efficient backup QB. (Update: Traded for Joe Flacco)
The way the defense played last week was probably the worst I have ever seen. Even though LB CJ Mosley was out of that game, that is still no excuse for not stopping a rookie quarterback and their running game. Patriots RB Damien Harris had a field day and torched the Jets defense. In addition, the Jets defense for the second straight game was unable to generate any pressure on the quarterback. In their Week 2 matchup, the Jets defense was able to get after QB Mac Jones but were only able to sack him once today when the game was already out of reach. To this date, the Jets still have not beaten the Patriots since December 27, 2015. In addition, they still have not won at Gilette Stadium since November 13, 2008. The famous saying, “there’s always next year” will ring forth yet again.
This week, the Jets will return home to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals manhandled the Ravens in Baltimore last weekend 41-17. There is always the possibility that the Jets could upset the Bengals. If they wish to do so, the defense needs to put pressure on Joe Burrow, costly penalties cannot be committed, and most importantly, the Jets will need to score points in the first quarter. As of right now, the Jets are the only team in the NFL yet to score points in the first quarter of their games. Jets fans...pray for the best and that Zach Wilson will be ok going forward.
-Jack Henry Cicio
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