Adam Gase’s first game as Jets head coach started off on a high note but ended in the most disastrous of ways, as New York blew a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter and fell to the Bills, 17-16.
The Jets were in control for most of the afternoon but came off the rails when it mattered the most. It’s not an ideal way to start the season, but Gang Green needs to bounce back and ensure this loss doesn’t haunt them moving forward.
Here are four takeaways from New York’s disappointing Week 1 loss.
Missing Mosley
For three and a half quarters, New York’s defense was dominant with C.J. Mosley calling the shots in the middle. As soon as he departed with a groin injury, the unit fell off the rails.
The Bills drove for a touchdown on Mosley’s first series out of the game and ultimately came all the way back from a 16-point deficit to take the lead and win the game. With Mosley out and Avery Williamson sidelined for the year, the Jets were left with rookie fifth-round pick Blake Cashman and career backup Neville Hewitt playing inside linebacker.
New York’s struggles on defense without Mosley on the field exemplified how important he is to the unit’s success. If his groin keeps him out of action in Week 2, the Jets could be in some serious trouble.
Money well spent
If Week 1 is any indication of things to come, the Jets made the right decision shelling out $166 million on C.J. Mosley, Le’Veon Bell and Jamison Crowder this offseason.
The trio teamed up and dominated against the Bills, with Mosley thriving on defense, and Bell and Crowder taking care of business on offense. Mosley picked off Josh Allen in the first quarter and returned it for a touchdown. He also recovered a fumble on 4th & 1 and accounted for two of New York’s four takeaways on the afternoon.
Bell and Crowder, meanwhile, were Sam Darnold’s favorite weapons throughout the afternoon. Bell caught a touchdown pass from Darnold in the third quarter and then caught New York’s two-point attempt to put the Jets up 16-0 while also adding 60 yards on the ground. Crowder led the Jets in the receiving department with 13 catches for 94 yards.
It’s only one week’s worth of production, but so far so good for New York’s prized offseason signings even though the team did not emerge victorious.
Vedvik isn’t the guy
It’s safe to assume Joe Douglas will resume his search for a kicker who can consistently produce with the way Kaare Vedvik performed in his first game with the Jets.
After struggling mightily in pregame warmups, Vedvik failed to get back on track once the game kicked off. He missed his first extra point attempt of the day and also booted a 45-yard field goal attempt at the end of the first half.
Vedvik did nothing to prove that he can be a player the Jets can rely on against the Bills. Expect a kicker or two to be brought in for a workout this upcoming week.
Offensive line play needs to improve
Sam Darnold spent Week 1 running for his life, as the Jets offensive line turned in an underwhelming performance, to say the least.
The Bills have a good defense and solid pass rushers up front, but New York’s offensive line was downright disappointing throughout the afternoon. Adam Gase and company started scheming to make up for the constant pressure in the pocket, but there’s only so much the Jets can do if Darnold doesn’t have time to throw and Le’Veon Bell doesn’t have holes to run through.
It won’t get any easier for New York’s linemen next week, as the Browns’ front seven featuring Myles Garrett comes to town. If the line doesn’t step up, Darnold will spend the majority of the game on his back.
