New York Jets: Three stars from Sunday’s loss vs. Atlanta

The New York Jets took a few steps forward after a brutal first half, but their overseas comeback effort fell just short.

Deja vu flirted with the New York Jets, but Gang Green couldn’t seal the international deal against the Atlanta Falcons.

Matt Ryan threw for 342 yards, 119 of which went to rookie Kyle Pitts. The fourth overall pick from April’s Draft proceedings also had a touchdown alongside fellow tight end Hayden Hurst as Atlanta escaped with a 27-20 victory after the Jets nearly came back from three possessions down. Michael Carter and Ty Johnson had rushing touchdowns for the Jets (1-4) while Zach Wilson threw his ninth interception of the season as Atlanta built its early lead. The loss comes after the Jets erased a nine-point lead against the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium.

Both the Jets and Falcons (2-3) will now take the standard week off granted to teams that partake in overseas contests. New York re-opens its season on Oct. 24 as they head up to Foxboro to battle the New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, CBS).

ESM has three game balls to bestow as silver linings from this latest loss…

Honorable Mentions

• RB Ty Johnson: 4 carries, 12 yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 22 yards
• WR Corey Davis: 4 receptions, 45 yards
• WR Keelan Cole: 2 receptions, 38 yards
• WR Denzel Mims: 2 receptions, 33 yards
• WR Jamison Crowder: 4 receptions, 24 yards, two-point conversion
• CB Bryce Hall: 7 tackles, 2 passes defended
• CB Brandin Echols: 9 tackles

3rd Star: LB C.J. Mosley

8 tackles, 1 forced fumble

Mosley’s reintroduction to the NFL has been a wonder to behold. He temporarily transferred momentum to the Jets’ side by forcing a fumble from Hurst when Atlanta entered the red zone again. His cough-up was recovered by Michael Carter II and the Jets embarked on a 16-play drive that netted a Matt Ammendola field goal.

https://twitter.com/Yankeelibrarian/status/1447231961643294729

2nd Star: RB Michael Carter

10 carries, 38 yards, 3 receptions, 20 yards

Despite some solid contributions from Johnson, Carter’s takeover of the primary rushing duties took another step forward on Sunday. The Jets’ best first down yardage came from Carter touches, ones that set the Jets up handsomely on the latter strikes. With his Sunday score, Carter is one of only three rookie running backs to visit the end zone twice. He also capitalized on extended duties through the air, his three receptions sitting behind only Corey Davis and Jamison Crowder.

1st Star: LB Quincy Williams

8 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 QB hit

The Jets’ pass rush struggled to build upon the momentum established against the Tennessee Titans last week, failing to get to Ryan at any point in London. Williams did what he could to establish pressure and once again stifled a dangerous run game with some clutch takedowns. He also forced two fumbles in the second half: another forced from Hurst bounced harmlessly out of bounds but another taken away from Mike Davis and recovered by Shaq Lawson stopped an Atlanta drive in New York territory.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags