New York Jets: Stock report after Week 1
The New York Jets dropped a heartbreaking 17-16 decision to the Buffalo Bills in their season opener. Here is their initial Stock Report for 2019.
This was a tough one to swallow. The New York Jets blew a 16-0 halftime lead last Sunday and dropped a 17-16 decision to the Buffalo Bills in their season opener at MetLife Stadium. My son and I attended the AFC East battle and were totally stunned walking out of there.
This loss will hurt for some time. Despite the setback, there were some positive signs for Gang Green. And negative ones as well.
Let’s take a look at their initial stock report for this season.
Stock Up
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Le’Veon Bell: Their prize free agent looked terrific with 92 yards from scrimmage (including six receptions), a touchdown and a two-point conversion. The three-time Pro Bowler gained 60 of those yards on the ground, mostly on his own due to New York’s poor offensive line (more on that later).
Bell is their best player, a superb talent, and he should be a difference-maker this season. He just needs to get some holes to run through. Easier said than done.
Jamison Crowder: The former Washington Redskin was very busy as Sam Darnold’s outlet with a team record-tying 14 receptions. The problem was he gained just 99 yards on all those catches (7.1 yards per receptions). Crowder will be a valuable slot receiver over the middle this year but his yards-after-catch production must improve.
C.J. Mosley: Another offseason free-agent acquistion, the five-time Pro Bowl performer looked like a little like Lawrence Taylor before exiting Sunday’s game in the third quarter with a groin injury. Mosley recorded five tackles, two passes defensed, returned an interception 17 yards for a touchdown and had a fumble recovery.
Gang Green’s defensive signal-caller was the guiding force for their 16-0 lead. Once he left the game for good, the Jets were out of sync and allowed the Bills to power their way up and down the field. Gang Green really needs Mosley to return for the Browns contest this Monday night.
Stock Down
The offensive line: Brutal. That’s the word that best describes their putrid performance against Buffalo. Not only did they fail to open holes for Bell but Darnold was under constant pressure all game long.
The 6-3, 225-pounder was sacked four times, took numerous hits and had several throws deflected at the line. This was supposed to be an improved, revamped offensive line — they actually looked worse than last year’s contingent. That spells big trouble moving forward.
Kaare Vedvik: So long Kaare, it was nice knowing you. New York’s third kicker since the beginning of training camp cost the Jets the game by missing a PAT and a 45-yard field goal. Gang Green will have a new kicker this Monday night against Cleveland. Why did they ever let Jason Myers go?
Next. 2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 2. dark
Sam Darnold: It wasn’t all his fault because his offensive line was so porous but Darnold has seen better performances. He finished 28 for 41 for just 175 yards and a touchdown. The second-year signal-caller missed on two crucial throws in the fourth quarter to Robby Anderson (one overthrown and one underthrown) and looked out of sync all afternoon.
He needs better protection but this was a small step back for the USC product.