The Jets surprised us all last week by playing in a close game. Moreover, they had the victory in the bag but naturally blew it in the final seconds. The one-score contest against the Raiders would make some think that the Jets would grab their first victory at some point this season. Once many people saw that the Seattle Seahawks were on the schedule, they realized how far fetched a close game would be. The Seahawks entered the game as double-digit favorites and needless to say, they covered.
Missing Kicks and Missing Adams
The Jets’ first drive of the game was the only good one it seemed. They went 48 yards to set up a 45-yard field goal from Sergio Castillo. The fact that Castillo made the kick wasn’t a surprise, the Jets taking a lead was. That would be the highlight of the game for the Jets. Aside from the field goal being the only points and the only lead of the game, Castillo would go on to miss the next three field-goal attempts. To make matters worse, this was all in the first half, the Jets offense would be such a disgrace in the second half that they wouldn’t even be in field goal range. On a day when many of the NFL’s kickers were shaking chip shots, the Jets had to get in on the action in Seattle.
To add to the beatdown, this was a revenge game for Jamal Adams, the all-pro safety the Jets traded to Seattle this offseason. Watching this game, you can tell how much the Jets miss a playmaker like Adams. With a sack in this game, Adams broke the single-season record for the most sacks by a defensive back. While Adams doesn’t single-handedly stop offenses, you can tell which defense looked watchable based on his presence. The Jets allowed 40 points on the day as a final reminder that they could use Adams’s ability. The 40 points is simply a slap in the face to Gregg Williams. He might not be the reason for the Jets’ woes this year but he was the one who got fired.
Darnold didn’t turn the ball over, that’s the only high note
Another game went by and we get more evidence that Sam Darnold is either a bust or destroyed. The irony is that Adam Gase was brought in to kickstart Darnold’s career yet three years in he looks like the least developed of all the starters from the 2018 draft class (Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson all look more prepared for the NFL now). More ironic is the fact that many experts said that Darnold was the most “NFL ready” of all the prospects in his class.
Another game went by and Darnold didn’t throw a touchdown pass. He didn’t throw an interception in the game or turnover the ball. This was just an uneventful game from the sorry quarterback. Aside from the field goal, the Jets were scoreless and went another second half without a touchdown. For a team that already has a bad offense, you are almost certain that games are over by halftime, even if the Jets have a lead. The final stat line for Darnold again reminded us that he is broken and just sorry. He threw completed 14 of 26 passes for 132 yards.
Remember Geno Smith?
Against a defense without a coordinator, a playmaker of any variety (ok maybe Quinnen Williams can count), Russell Wilson was able to cook and put up 40 points. After consecutive “down” weeks Wilson threw for 200 yards and 4 touchdowns. Wilson wasn’t the only one who had a great day against this pitiful defense. Chris Carson had 76 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown and Carlos Hyde had 66 rushing yards. Carson alone outrushed the Jets (69 rushing yards). DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett combined for 113 receiving yards and a touchdown. The entire Jets receiving corp had 121 receiving yards.
The game became lopsided enough that Geno Smith got to play at the end. If Darnold watched the former Jets draft bust, he can learn what to avoid. For starters, Darnold should learn from Smith not to force anything, just throw the ball away. Another thing Darnold can learn is it’s better to underthrow a receiver over the middle than overthrow one. The final thing Darnold can learn is to get out of New York if he wants to succeed.
The Jets lost 40-3 and this game felt over once Seattle took the lead. There are only 3 games left in the season and the Jets are only 3 losses away from 0-16. The remaining three games are against the Rams, Browns, and Patriots. Basically, 0-16 looks like a real possibility at this point.
