The Raiders are historically known for not playing well on the East Coast. In fact, in they lost their last six games in MetLife Stadium against the Jets. This year of course is different as the Jets have one of the worst teams ever in NFL history. The Raiders entered Sunday’s game as heavy favorites and were expected to handle the winless Jets in this Week 13 game.
The Early Offense was More Than Surprising
Sam Darnold entered Sunday’s game with the most pass attempts without throwing a touchdown in the NFL. This season has been a true testament to a wasted career and a live display of someone who can’t wait to leave the team that drafted him. This made the early part of the game a surprise since Darnold threw not one but two passing touchdowns. The worst offense in the NFL suddenly looked like it was going to pass 20 points on the day.
This doesn’t mean Darnold had a great half. A late fumble and an interception allowed the Raiders two easy drives. Despite one of the best performances from a quarterback all season, the Jets were trailing at the half 17-13.
The Second Half is Usually a Dead one for the Jets
Prior to this game, the last time Sam Darnold threw a second-half touchdown was Week Two. The Jets’ offense has been bad this season and aside from a great Joe Flacco performance against the Chargers a few weeks ago, they essentially give up in the second half. The third quarter looked like a typical third quarter for the Jets, they allowed a touchdown, and the offense was halted.
This added to the 4th quarter absurdity. Sam Darnold rushed for a touchdown to make the game close and after the defense forced a fumble, the Jets scored again to take the lead. This was the first time the Jets took a lead in the second half of a game since their loss to the Patriots and gave anyone watching this game reason to believe this would be the game to grab that first win.
This loss Reminded us that this team is terrible in all facets
For years, I was convinced that Gregg Williams was one of the best defensive minds in the NFL. I know he was the same defensive coordinator that is responsible for “Bounty-Gate.” I know Williams was the Rams defensive coordinator before Wade Phillips was hired and turned the defense into a Super Bowl-caliber one. Yet, Williams does more with less. The final 30 seconds make us wonder whether Williams should have a job in the NFL.
The Raiders had the ball at their own 39-yard line and needed a touchdown. Any defensive coordinator knows that you don’t allow the big play and force the offense into check downs. Yet, the Jets allowed the Raiders best receiver and arguably their only deep threat in an ideal mismatch. Henry Ruggs was guarded in single coverage by the second-best Lamar Jackson in the NFL. This touchdown is grounds for immediate firing. Gregg Williams blitzing in a clear prevent situation only has two explanations; Either Williams is trying to assure the Jets land the top pick. Or in his wisdom, he thought that they would end the game on that play. The game ended on that play alright, a touchdown with six seconds left to secure a 31-28 loss.
The Raiders literally served the Jets this victory. The Jets have only scored 28 points this season in 3 games and this might be the last time they do so for the rest of the year. Yet, they still lost. This is loss 12 on the season and 0-16 isn’t looking like a possibility but looking like a certainty at this point. While this game isn’t Adam Gase’s fault, you wonder how he is still coaching this team. The only possible explanation is that the Jets are all in on drafting Trevor Lawrence.
