For Jets quarterback Mike White, the clock may have struck midnight.
With rookie Zach Wilson positioned to return from the injured list next week, White’s time as QB1 is winding down.
The Buffalo Bills, and their top-ranked defense, made sure of that with a dominating Week 10 performance.
Josh Allen threw for 366 yards and two touchdowns to lead the AFC East-leading Bills (6-3) to a commanding 45-17 win, Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
It was a nightmare for the Jets (2-7), specifically White. He threw four interceptions, completing 24 of 44 pass attempts, with zero touchdowns. Late in the fourth quarter, White, after taking a sack from Efe Obada, left the game and did not return. He was replaced by Joe Flacco.
Buffalo’s defense came into this week with the league’s top-ranked defense. They’re ranked No.1 against the pass and No. 4 against the run, and are ranked first in third-down defense. It all added up to disaster for White and the Jets.
What could go wrong…
Everything which could go wrong for the Jets, went that direction. On offense, White couldn’t get into the rhythm we’ve seen from his previous starts. The Bills took away the deep ball while bringing a consistent pass rush. Murphy’s law had nothing on the Jets this week.
The defense, meanwhile, was outgunned by Buffalo’s passing attack, ranked 7th in the league. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs pulled in eight catches for 162 yards, and a touchdown. Gabriel Davis added 3 catches for 105 yards.
Buffalo’s air raid torched the Jets and their undermanned secondary. Rookie cornerback Brandin Echols (thigh) left the game early and didn’t return. This left second-year cornerback Javelin Guidry with the daunting challenge of covering Diggs, one of the best receivers in the game. It was an obvious mismatch which Allen and Buffalo picked on at will.
For head coach Robert Saleh, it’s back to the meeting room with is team, the youngest in the NFL.
Looking ahead for the Jets
If Wilson (PCL Sprain, right knee) is fully recovered and able to go, the expectation is he’ll return to QB1 next Sunday, against Miami.
For now, however, the growing pains continue for the young Jets.
Image: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
