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New York Jets: Report Card vs. Falcons in Week 8

By Stephen Smith

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 29: Wide receiver Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets scores a touchdown against cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 29: Wide receiver Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets scores a touchdown against cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 29: Wide receiver Robby Anderson
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 29: Wide receiver Robby Anderson /

The New York Jets dropped a tough 25-20 decision to the Atlanta Falcons at rainy MetLife Stadium Sunday. Here is their report card.

The New York Jets are staring at the abyss. They are at the proverbial crossroads of their season. Gang Green dropped a hard-fought 25-20 decision to the Atlanta Falcons Sunday at rainy, windy MetLife Stadium. Torrential rain poured down from the sky throughout the game and it caused both teams to drop passes and fumble snaps.

Special teams killed the Jets (more on that later), who have now dropped three straight contests to slip to 3-5. With a quick turnaround game against the Buffalo Bills set for this Thursday night at MetLife, New York can ill afford another loss if they hope to keep any possible playoff aspirations alive for 2017.

The Falcons improved to 4-3 with the victory.

It’s been a frustrating stretch for Gang Green. Very frustrating. They are still having issues putting teams away, making a key stop in a big spot. All three setbacks in their losing streak (to New England, Miami and Atlanta, respectively) are games they could have (and should have) won. Jets fans realize they can easily be 6-2 instead of all alone in last place in the AFC East.

Let’s take a look at their report card in their Week Eight battle with the Falcons.

Offense

Where was the Jets rushing attack? The Falcons came into the game as a mediocre unit stopping the run and they allowed New York to compile a scant 43 yards on the ground. That is unacceptable.

Bilal Powell led with a feeble 33 yards on 14 carries. Quarterback Josh McCown was very steady once again — as he has been for almost the entire season — with 26 completions in 33 attempts for 257 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. That was impressive considering the horrible weather conditions.

Wide receiver Robby Anderson enjoyed his finest effort of the year with six receptions (on six targets) for a game-high 104 yards and a 24-yard scoring catch from McCown. Atlanta did a pretty good job containing tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (five catches for 28 yards), who saw his three-game touchdown streak end. Backup tight end Eric Tomlinson did grab a 20-yard touchdown reception to give New York a short-lived 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Jets were able to convert just five of 15 third down opportunities (33 percent) but did win the time of possession battle (31:41 to 28:19) and they cut their penalties down (six for 50 yards) significantly in this contest. They still need work in that department though. Their offensive line allowed three sacks and they have to open more holes for their ground game at the point of attack. If they don’t, the Jets might not win another game the rest of the season.

Grade: C-

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