4 Winners and 5 Losers from New York Jets 26-19 loss to New England Patriots that left much to be desired
The Jets are still seeing some good things despite another loss. But at this point, some critical groups are still sticking out in a negative way.
That was a tough one for the New York Jets. New England beat the Jets 26-19 in Foxborough in New York’s first divisional game of the year. The Jets fall to 2-4, while the Patriots move to 4-2.
It wasn’t a pretty afternoon for Aaron Glenn’s team, but there were still some bright spots. I have some mixed emotions about players on both sides of the ball after this one.
Winners
Braelon Allen
Braelon Allen didn’t have the best statistical day compared to last week, but I liked what I saw from him. He ran with a lot of physicality behind his pads and used that big body to his advantage. Allen finished with 78 yards at 4.5 yards per carry and added a couple of catches out of the backfield.
He gave New York a physical presence on a day when it needed one. Braelon Allen is certainly trending upwards.
Omar Cooper Jr.
Omar Cooper Jr. was fantastic in what was really his first full game as a Jet. Cooper Jr. returned to the lineup after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 1 against the Titans. He hauled in six grabs for 103 yards and a touchdown today. Cooper Jr. also had another touchdown called back early in the game, and that had nothing to do with anything he did.
That’s the kind of production that gives this offense a real boost.
Jamien Sherwood
On defense, linebacker Jamien Sherwood led the team with 11 tackles. The big moment came in the fourth quarter, when Sherwood punched the ball out and Minkah Fitzpatrick recovered the fumble with the Jets trailing 23-13.
New York wasn’t able to turn that takeaway into anything except a field goal, but that was a heck of a play from Sherwood to keep his team in the game.
Jason Sanders
I’m adding a fourth winner here. Kicker Jason Sanders went 4-for-4 on field goals. He has been steady for the Jets early on after winning the kicking competition in the preseason, and that’s a big deal for a team that needs every point it can get. That also has to feel good for the Jets who lost Blake Grupe off their practice squad earlier this week to the Los Angeles Rams.
Jets losers vs. Patriots
Aaron Glenn
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn told the sideline reporter heading into halftime that the Jets would get the football to start the second half. The only problem? They didn’t. The Patriots got the ball to open the second half.
That’s a big-time lack of awareness from the head coach. Small details like that matter, especially in a one-score divisional game on the road.
Isaiah Davis
Isaiah Davis needed to help Allen carry the load, and he didn’t. Davis had seven carries for just 16 yards. Don’t get me wrong, he ran hard. He just couldn’t make anything happen. In a game like this, you need two backs doing their thing. New York only got one.
Garrett Wilson
Garrett Wilson rarely finds himself on this list, but here we are. He finished with four catches for 44 yards. Those aren’t the worst numbers in the world, but it wasn’t a great day for the Jets’ top receiver. Wilson typically struggles against Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez, and he even talked about that matchup going into the week. The Jets needed more from him, plain and simple.
Offensive line
Geno Smith got sacked three times again, and the Jets only ran for 3.5 yards per carry. The offensive line, especially in pass protection, continues to be a disappointment. You can’t win games in this division when your quarterback is constantly under fire. This group is starting to be listed in the losers section too often. They must play better.
Defensive line
After a great performance against Cleveland, the defensive line came up empty today. New York didn’t record a sack, and New England ran for 148 yards at 4 yards per carry. Look, the formula for beating the Patriots isn’t complicated, the Jets have to win up front. Instead they lost on both sides of the line, and that’s why they’re heading home at 2-4.
There are pieces to like here, with Cooper, Allen, Sherwood, and Sanders all showing up. But until the trenches get fixed, I don’t see the Jets climbing out of this hole in the division.
