So much for the Jets being able to take advantage of the softer part of their schedule.
A trip to Jacksonville resulted in a loss for the second consecutive year, as New York fell to the Jaguars by a final score of 29-15. The Jets held an early lead on Sunday, but it was all downhill from there.
Here are four takeaways from New York’s sixth loss of the season.
Chunk plays prove costly
It’s hard to win a game when your defense is repeatedly giving up big plays. The Jets found that out the hard way against the Jaguars.
Leonard Fournette broke loose for a 66-yard run on Jacksonville’s second play from scrimmage and effectively set the tone for the afternoon. New York’s defense allowed four plays of over 20 yards, including a 70-yard Chris Conley catch and run for a touchdown.
The Jets have been susceptible to the big play in 2019 and the Jaguars took full advantage. Almost all of Jacksonville’s points came either directly off a chunk play or a big gain that put it in plus territory.
Something’s got to give on the offensive line
Another day, another dismal performance by the Jets’ offensive line.
Sam Darnold got sacked eight times against Jacksonville and Le’Veon Bell seldom had holes to run through. With no time for Darnold to throw and nowhere for Bell to run, it’s no surprise that New York could only muster 15 points against the Jaguars.
Criticizing the Jets offensive line play has become a weekly tradition, but something has to give in the trenches. Whether it’s a personnel issue or scheme deficiency, something has to change.
Darnold was better, but far from good
Less than a week after the worst performance of his career, Sam Darnold did all he could to bounce back against the Jaguars.
He wasn’t perfect and spent most of the afternoon under pressure, but Darnold threw some good balls and hooked up with Ryan Griffin for two touchdown tosses against Jacksonville. Interceptions were once again his downfall and his decision making certainly needs to improve, but considering how low the bar got last week, Darnold at least made some improvements.
No A for Anderson’s effort
It takes more than catching easy passes and winning routes to be a true No. 1 wide receiver. Effort is paramount when it comes to making the tough plays that define a star at the position.
This is clearly something Robby Anderson has yet to figure out. In the first quarter against the Jaguars, he quit on a ball thrown down near the turf that resulted in a Sam Darnold interception. By no means was it a good throw or even a catchable ball, but Anderson fell to his knees and essentially gave up on the play.
No. 1 receivers don’t take plays off or give up on balls thrown in their area. Anderson has the skillset to be a top receiver, but he hasn’t quite figured it out yet. Sunday’s inaction was the latest example of that.
