New York Jets’ Defense Returns to Life
The New York Jets never make it easy, do they? The Jets went into Sunday’s game as the on paper favorite, but the game was close. The defense did come to play, however, and the Jets hung on to win by the score of 28-23.
Also on Spin Zone: The greatest undrafted free agents in NFL history
The story of the game was the New York Jets’ defense. They needed to come back in a big way, and they did just that, forcing four turnovers, including the interception that sealed the game late in the fourth quarter. They were tackling well in the running game, holding the Jaguars to 98 yards on the ground, and posting two interceptions, both by Marcus Williams.
With injuries to Dion Bailey and Calvin Pryor, Marcus Williams saw time at strong safety, and he took advantage by picking off two passes, running his season total to four. Now with Antonio Cromartie nursing a quad injury, and the short week, look for Williams to see more time on Thursday night against the Bills.
November 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver
Andre Holmes(18) catches a touchdown pass against New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets will need production from Marcus Williams and others going forward, simply because of the decline of Antonio Cromartie. Anybody watching him over the last two weeks can see it. He got torched by the Raiders, and he got torched this week by the Jaguars. What is particularly troubling is his inability to recover. On Sunday, he got beaten badly on a fake to the inside. In the past, he could recover with his incredible athleticism. Seeing him unable to catch up is a bad sign.
New York Jets’ fans are wondering if it is the quad, or if it is Cromartie getting old. It may be the latter, but Williams deserves to play either way.
Nov 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker
Lorenzo Mauldin(55) reacts during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets haven’t had an impact pass rusher on the edge in many years. Lorenzo Mauldin showed his potential to be that guy on Sunday, posting two of the Jets’ six sacks on the game. The rookie out of Kentucky suffered a scary head injury in week one that turned out to be a concussion, and has been working his way back. Mauldin got his chance on passing downs, and made the most of the opportunity. He’s a guy to root for, with an extensive story regarding an absentee father and going in and out of multiple foster homes.
The Jets’ defense really brought it back together on Sunday against the Jaguars, and they will need to keep that momentum on the upswing heading into their reunion with Rex Ryan on Thursday night.
Nov 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick(14) hands off to running back
Chris Ivory(33) during the second half of the NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. The Jets won, 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a good sign that the New York Jets were able to pick up a win without any running game, but, where is the running game? Chris Ivory put up another poor performance, running the ball 23 times for 26 yards, though he did score twice. Over the last three weeks, Ivory is averaging 28 yards per game. Both the offensive line and Chris Ivory are going to have to pick it up for the Jets to have success in making a playoff run.
Nov 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center
Nick Mangold(74) looks on during the second half of the NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. The Jets won, 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The other big story of the day was injuries. Nick Mangold (right) started the game but left early, reactivating the neck injury that forced him out of the last two games. After the game, coach Bowles described it as a sore neck, and that he will know more after more testing is run. We have seen the big difference in the New York Jets’ game without him.
Nick Folk (below) was unable to kick on Sunday after injuring HIS quad during warmups. He was able to hold for Ryan Quigley, but was unable to perform any of his kicking duties, making Quigley perform kickoffs, punts, and extra points/field goals.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
This ended up changing the New York Jets’ game plan. Ryan Quigley hadn’t kicked field goals since high school, so although he was able to kick extra points, field goals were another story. Bowles indicated that they were going to go for it on just about any fourth down outside of the 25 yard line. They won, but this could have come back to bite the Jets.
Next: Who are the NFL's most important players?
We will see this week if Folk can go or if the Jets will have to sign a kicker. Bowles indicated that he will need to know by Monday.
The reunion is just about here, as the New York Jets take on the Buffalo Bills Thursday night. It should be a good one.