On Sunday, the New York Jets took on the Atlanta Falcons in the first NFL game played in London since 2019. The Jets ended up losing a tough one 27-20. As Jets fans, we have seen this many times before where the team lays an egg after a big win the previous week. After a thrilling 27-24 overtime victory over the Titans the week before, the Jets lost to the woeful Atlanta Falcons and there were problems in every aspect of the game.
In terms of the offense, they continue to play from behind in the first half. Heading into the locker room at halftime this season, the Jets have never once had a lead. They were able to turn on the gas in the second half but it was not nearly enough. QB Zach Wilson regressed a bit today after having a sensational game previously. He completed 19 of 32 passes for only 192 yards, no touchdowns, and 1 interception. However, the interception he threw was a good point because the Falcons turned the ball over very quickly after that. It was truly embarrassing that the Jets offense couldn’t successfully move the ball down the field until late in the game due to the fact that the Falcons defense is one of the worst in the league.
In terms of the defense, they did not come close to the game that they had last week. Way too many third down conversions and penalties did them in as they made Falcons QB Matt Ryan look like the immortal Tom Brady at times. The Falcons were down their two primary wide recievers in Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage but the Jets defense could not cover Falcons TE Kyle Pitts to save their lives. As a matter of fact, they could not get any pressure on Ryan at all. In terms of the penalties though, I will admit that there were a couple of questionable calls such as the roughing the passer penalty on Atlanta’s first drive that led to 3 points. In addition, the no call on the chop block penalty but one going against the Jets defense once again. HC Robert Saleh has got to address these penalties and make sure they are not a recurring theme week after week.
The good news for the Jets is that they cannot lose next week because it is their bye week. After their performance today, a bye week is really in order for the 1-4 Jets to try and make adjustments for the final 13 games of the season. Coming out of the bye week, the Jets will travel to Foxboro to take on the hated Patriots for the second time this season. One main difference between the two rookie quarterbacks in Zach Wilson and Mac Jones is that Jones has been much smarter with the football and not trying for the big plays every down. Last time these two teams met, the Patriots defense demolished Zach Wilson’s confidence by picking him off four times. However, the Jets defense was able to keep Mac Jones in check for the most part but they were on the field for much too long. In order for the Jets to get their first regular season win at New England since 2008, Wilson will need to be smart with the football, the O-line will need to protect him, and the defense will have to get after Mac Jones. Jets fans...the bye week could not come at a better point in this season.
-Jack Henry Cicio
Comments
Post a Comment