The New York Jets have fallen short again, losing 16-12 to the Las Vegas Raiders in embarrassing fashion on Sunday Night Football in Week 10. The Jets have lost two in a row and now hold a 4-5 record ahead of a daunting two-game stretch against the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins.
It was yet another shaky offensive outing from Zach Wilson and company, who were unable to find the end zone for the second straight game. With Aaron Rodgers hoping to make a miraculous return, Robert Saleh’s squad is trending in the wrong direction in the AFC playoff picture despite the defense playing lights out.
Following Sunday night’s disappointing loss, here are five immediate takeaways from the game.
The Jets finally scored on their first possession of a game
For the first time all season, the Jets finally produced points on their first drive of the game. While it was a Greg Zuerlein field goal to give the team their first points on the first offensive possession of a game, it was — at the very least — progress. Baby steps, right?
On the flip side, the Jets have gone 36 straight drives on offense without a touchdown. The last time the Jets found the end zone was on a 50-yard touchdown catch by Breece Hall in the first quarter of the Week 8 overtime win over the New York Giants.
Penalties continue to be a major issue
The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties. In Sunday night’s contest, New York was penalized eight times, resulting in 83 penalty yards. Heading into halftime, the Jets had five penalties for 55 yards.
Considering that every single possession is invaluable for New York, the Jets can’t afford to have penalties end drives on offense, and extend drives for the opposing team when they are on defense. Since the team’s Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, they have had at least seven penalties in six consecutive games, totaling 50 penalties in that span.
Nathaniel Hackett is calling plays scared
Early in the contest, Wilson seemingly found a rhythm, throwing quick passes to his talented second-year wideout to move the ball down the field. The Jets scored nine points on their first three drives of the game, and they struggled to move the ball much after that.
Whether it’s in the red zone or to begin possessions, Nathaniel Hackett is calling plays as if he doesn’t fully trust his quarterback and the weapons surrounding him. Right after the Jets scored nine points on their first three drives (and Wilson completed seven of his first 11 attempts), Hackett ran the ball four straight times, and then the Jets punted the ball. The offense never really found its footing again after that.
Breece Hall didn't see his first target until the 4th quarter
Breece Hall is one of the only playmakers the Jets have on offense, and he’s generated plenty of explosive plays this season. The second-year back can be effective on the ground or through the air, but the Jets failed to get him involved in the passing game until it was too late.
Hall didn’t receive his first target until New York’s first offensive drive in the fourth quarter. The dynamic back turned that reception into a 35-yard gain, and he would finish with only three catches for 47 yards on three targets. For an offense that lacks firepower, they can’t afford to have Hall be a non-contributor in the aerial attack until the final 15 minutes of the game.
Another WR besides Garrett Wilson needs to step up
Wilson had another productive outing for the Jets, registering nine receptions for 93 yards on 14 targets. The Offensive Rookie of the Year from a season ago has led the Jets in receptions, receiving yards, and targets in three straight games, which isn’t a surprise.
At the same time, there hasn’t been another receiver in the offense to have more than 45 receiving yards in those three games. Furthermore, the Jets haven’t had a receiver not named Wilson log more than 45 receiving yards since Week 4 against the Chiefs. Maybe more Xavier Gipson on passing downs to potentially give the offense a spark?
