New York Jets: Week 7 offensive, defensive analysis

The New York Jets went into Week 7 at 0-6 and left it at 0-7. They were not expected to beat the Buffalo Bills, but with the way the game went, they could have. The defense gave up zero touchdowns, but the offense only scored 10 points.

Let’s take a look at how the Jets played on each side of the ball during today’s loss.

Offense

The opening drive of the game was the Jets’ best drive in a long, long time. They started with the ball at their own 22-yard line and ended the drive at the Buffalo 11-yard line. It was an impressive, long opening drive even though it only ended in a field goal.

During the lone drive in which the Jets got into the endzone, it was the La’Mical Perine show. He had 25 yards and his first career touchdown on the drive. His first one wasn’t easy, as he had to push it to the outside and stretch for the pylon.

That score put the Jets up 10-0, but that’s where the offense stopped. After that, the Bills scored 18 straight points, all on field goals.

Sam Darnold didn’t look great, going just 12-23 for 120 yards and two interceptions with a 17.4 QBR. To his defense, there were several dropped passes by receivers. However, rookie wideout Denzel Mims made his debut and played relatively well.

Mims was the leading receiver for the Jets, finishing with 4 receptions for 42 yards. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers by any means, but for a rookie receiver making his debut, and on a day in which Darnold only completed 12 passes, it was a solid day. Aside from his numbers, his movement between the solid white lines was a promising sight after his two hamstring injuries.

That brings us to the offensive line. They, as an entire unit, played a very poor game. They allowed Sam Darnold to be sacked six times and hit 10 times overall. For the plays that he wasn’t actually hit, he was under noticeable pressure more often than not. Pretty much the only positive thing that can be said about the line is that center Connor McGovern recovered a fumble, keeping it from the Bills for a little longer.

Overall, the offense had an OK first half and a dreadful second half.

Defense

The New York Jets defense played much, much better today against Buffalo. They gave up zero touchdowns, only allowing field goal attempts. Bills kicker Tyler Bass did hit six field goals, though, missing two. If you can keep your opponent out of the endzone, you give yourself a chance to win.

The defense did all they could in that department.

The best defensive group for the Jets was their linebackers. Avery Williamson and Neville Hewitt both finished with 13 total tackles each. They both covered the field fairly well and converted on nearly every tackle opportunity.

As for the defensive line, rookie defensive end Bryce Huff and Quinnen Williams impressed the most. Huff finished the game with four total tackles, a few nice flashes of pass rush and one impressive tackle-for-loss.

Quinnen Williams’ final stat line included four total tackles, one sack, one tackle-for-loss and three QB hits. His presence today was definitely felt more than it has in the past.

Stefon Diggs, the Bills’ best receiver, was certainly expected to do the most damage against the Jets’ secondary. However, he was held to just six catches on 11 targets, amassing 48 yards. The receiver that did the most damage turned out to be Cole Beasley.

The 5-foot-8, 174-pound receiver was open all game, as he ended up catching 11 of 12 targets for 112 yards.

The Jets defense was spotty at times, but overall, played a solid game without allowing a single touchdown. If the offense played in the second half the way they did in the first, the outcome may have very well been different.

Looking forward

The Jets lost but they can actually feel much better about this game. They played much more competitive and confident on both sides of the ball throughout, for the most part. The offense scored a touchdown and the defense didn’t get torched every drive, so that’s progress.

The increased amount of chunk plays and actually having the ability to score relied heavily on Adam Gase giving up his play-calling duties. He toyed with the idea recently but finally handed the playbook over to offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains today. Going forward, having Loggains in control should allow for more excitement and progress.

The New York Jets fell to 0-7, but the team played better today in almost every facet of the game.