WEEK IN REVIEW
The Jets continued their momentum toward the number one overall draft pick following a 40-3 steamrolling from the Seattle Seahawks. The Jets took the early lead, scoring on their first possession for the 7th consecutive game, but that was the only offensive rhythm they were able to find throughout the game. The only other real positive point of the game was the acrobatic interception from safety Marcus Maye. Maye has shined now that he is free from the shadow of Jamal Adams, who sacked Sam Darnold to break the record for most sacks by a defensive back. This stat comes based on Adams’ registered position despite the fact that he lines up at linebacker, almost exclusively, in the Seattle defense, similar to the way they formerly played Kam Chancellor.
Sam Darnold had one of the worst outings of his career, totaling a mere 132 yards passing. Once again, he looked completely lost. He struggled to understand the defense, was hesitant to make decisions, and missed several open receivers. Seattle boasts one of the most vulnerable pass defenses in the league and Darnold’s failure to take advantage is very concerning. It is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine Sam Darnold as a starting quarterback in the NFL following this season.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Adam Gase is still the head coach. As mentioned in previous weeks, this will be the main story until it is no longer the case. Gase has proven that he has very little ability to understand the strengths and weaknesses of his players and is unwilling to adjust his game plan regardless of the number of failures. His issues are highlighted by the running back situation. One week after the Jets’ most productive rushing game of the season, which was led by Ty Johnson and Josh Adams in Frank Gore’s absence, Gase repositioned Gore are the lead back and refused to adjust even after it was clear Gore was not effective.
Gase’ affinity for Frank Gore is costing the team every week. His fumble in the Seattle game killed the little momentum the Jets offense had in the game. Instructions must be sent down from either GM Joe Douglas or even ownership, that there is no value in playing Frank Gore. The Jets are out of the playoff race and each loss gets them one step closer to a (hopefully) competent quarterback. The best thing this coaching staff can do is to get as many snaps for the young players on the roster as possible and Frank Gore is only a hinderance to that effort.
THE WEEK AHEAD
The Jets will play their second consecutive game on the west coast as they head to So-Fi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Rams. The Jets opened this week as massive 16.5-point road underdogs to a Rams team that just crushed the New England Patriots 24-3 last Thursday night. The Rams’ defense currently ranks in the top three for points allowed, pass yards allowed, and rush yards allowed, and their offense is coming off their most successful rushing games of the season. The Rams are 5-1 at home this season and are in the heat of the NFC West division race.
Last week served as a breakout game for Rams rookie running back Cam Akers. Akers, who was highly regarded from his career at Florida State, led the team with 29 rushes for 171 yards against the Patriots will pose a major threat to the Jets. With Jared Goff struggling, and the defense playing so well, the Rams have shifted their offensive game plans to lean more heavily on the run game. Thankfully for the Jets, their rush defense has been performing relatively well thanks to the emergence of Quinnen Williams. He and the rest of the defensive front may be the Jets’ best chance to keep things close in Los Angeles.
