On Sunday, the New York Jets took on the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium. The Vikings entered this game with a 9-2 record and a chance to clinch the NFC North with a win and a Detroit Lions loss or tie. The Vikings completed their part of the deal by outlasting the Jets 27-22 in a game of so many what-ifs for the Jets. The Jets entered this game with a 7-4 record and playing meaningful games in December for the first time since 2015. Luckily though, the Jets still hold onto the #7 seed in the playoffs due to the 49ers beating the Dolphins and the Raiders beating the Chargers.
In terms of the offense, quarterback QB Mike White had a solid game and gave his team a chance to pull out a big win. He completed 31 of 57 passes for 369 yards, a rushing touchdown, but 2 interceptions. In addition, the rushing touchdown by White was the only touchdown scored by the Jets all afternoon. In 6 red zone trips, the Jets had one touchdown, 3 field goals, a turnover on downs, and an interception. This is not going to get it done. Good teams are able to score touchdowns when down in the red zone and not settle for field goals. Had the Jets done that, they would have won. In addition, OC Mike LaFleur deserves a lot of blame for his terrible game-plan of running the ball on 3rd and long or calling short passes that are well before the line to gain. Also in the second half, an offensive holding call on George Fant eliminated any chance of the Jets scoring another touchdown on 2nd and Goal bringing the ball from the 3 all the way back to the 16-yard line. It was the little things that the Jets did wrong and that the Vikings did right that was the difference in this game.
In terms of the defense, they were a bit shaky in the first half but really buckled down in the second half as they only gave up 7 points then and sacked Kirk Cousins twice. Once again, DT Quinnen Williams made an impact on today’s game as he continues his bid for the Pro Bowl. During the first half though, the Jets defense committed a lot of costly penalties but it could have been a lot worse.
This week, the Jets will travel to Orchard Park for a rematch with the Buffalo Bills. With the Chiefs losing to the Bengals today, the Bills are now the #1 seed in the playoffs. However, the Jets did beat the Bills 20-17 back in Week 9 and should utilize a similar game plan to that game. The Bills look to be without LB Von Miller for the rest of the regular season so that is an area that the Jets should be able to take advantage of. In addition, the Jets will once again have Mike White under center instead of Zach Wilson who beat the Bills last time. White will be looking to avenge his ugly 4-interception performance against the Bills last year. Don’t worry Jets fans…despite losing this game, your team still has a good chance to make the playoffs.
-Jack Henry Cicio
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