Last night was one disaster for the New York Jets, to say the least. With the season on the line, they went out and got handled awfully well, losing in a noncompetitive fashion, 19-3, to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jets have now dropped their last four games and have a below .500 record of 7-8. They have fallen to the 10th seed in the AFC and could not have any slimmer playoff chances with two weeks left of play. Extremely disappointing, considering some of the success and promise shown by this football team this year.
- Jets finally trade Zach Wilson to Broncos for late-round pick swap in 2024 NFL Draft
- Jets soar in 2024’s five-year NFL Draft team analysis rankings
- Zach Wilson skipping Jets voluntary offseason workouts while trade talks stall
New York Jets Week 16 Recap:
The Jets lost in every key team category convincingly.
Starting with the time of possession battle, the Jaguars had the ball for 34:52 to the Jets 25:08. The time of possession has been an ongoing issue for the Jets all season.
From there, the penalties were disastrous for the Jets. They committed nine for 64 yards to the Jaguars’ three for 25.
For the fourth game in a row, the Jets lost the turnover battle, this time, 2-1.
Situationally, on third down, the Jets got humiliated. They went 2-13 (15%) to the Jaguars 7-16 (44%). In the red zone, the Jaguars went 1-3 to the Jets 0-2.
All around, poor execution by the Jets as a team, losing in all five of these categories, reflects in a lopsided final score.
- Jets finally trade Zach Wilson to Broncos for late-round pick swap in 2024 NFL Draft
- Jets soar in 2024’s five-year NFL Draft team analysis rankings
- Zach Wilson skipping Jets voluntary offseason workouts while trade talks stall
Zach Wilson’s worst start with the New York Jets?
There is tough competition, but last night may have very well been the worst start Zach Wilson has had with the Jets. Finishing 9-18 (50%), for 92 yards (5.1 per attempt), with no touchdowns, and an interception, leading to a 41.9 rating.
The Jets’ offense was as inefficient as could be, with Wilson leading it. Yet again, poor decisions, bad fundamentals, and inaccurate throws were all a constant theme.
Could Wilson be done in New York? There certainly is a chance.
Chris Streveler came in for relief of Wilson late in the third quarter. He provided a spark, out-gaining the total yards offensively in one drive to what Wilson had in two and a half quarters.
Streveler led the Jets in rushing with nine carries for 54 yards (six per rush). He was responsible for 54 of the Jets’ 66 rushing yards. Through the air, Streveler went 10-15 (67%) for 90 yards (six per attempt). Streveler battled and did provide the Jets with some life, but ultimately no points were put on the board.
The Jets’ ground game had yet another dreadful performance. As noted, all of 12 yards rushing were picked up outside of Streveler. Between Ty Johnson, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight, the longest run went for six yards.
Up front, the Jets’ offensive line allowed eight tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, and three sacks.
The three points on the board came from Quinnen Williams, that is how bad the Jets’ offense played.
Two straight games not up to the standard defensively for the New York Jets:
The Jets’ defense gave up only 19 points. But yet again, they got worked for some long drives, one in which they allowed the Jaguars to go right down the field for 96 yards. On the next drive, they allowed the Jaguars to go 61 yards and kick a field goal. In the first half, it was far from great for the Jets’ defense.
Creating turnovers was once again a main issue. Aside from Quinnen Williams’ strip sack on the third play of the game, the Jets did not force a turnover the rest of the way. Now two takeaways over the last six games. Not going to get it done (1-5 over the stretch).
They allowed Trevor Lawrence to throw for 229 yards and rush for 51. Travis Etienne ran for 83 as well. The Jaguars ran with ease, picking up 147 on the ground.
Through the air, the Jets let Evan Engram to go off with seven catches and 113 yards.
Following up the stat with the lone turnover of the night, from Williams’ sack in the first drive of the game, also, the Jets’ defense was not able to get one sack the rest of the game.
Not being opportunistic with turnovers and never generating splash plays with sacks is why this Jets defense has not gotten the job done as of late.
This was one frustrating loss for all Jets fans. For the first year in a long time, the playoffs seemed likely. Now, the Jets season, with two games left to play, looks as bleak as ever.