There would be no feel-good win this week for the Jets. No miracle comeback, no breakthrough individual performance. There was, however, a familiar result.
What the Jets needed to go right for them Sunday, against a winless Cincinnati Bengals team, instead went terribly wrong.
It was just a matter of time before the struggling Bengals woke up, the Jets proved to be a potential elixir for their early-season setbacks.
Ultimately, too many mistakes and another slow start played key parts in the Jets losing to the Bengals, 27-12, at MetLife Stadium.
Joe Flacco turned the ball over four times and for the third consecutive week attempted more than 40 passes.
The Jets dropped to 1-2 on the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are next on their schedule.
With an offensive line struggling to find their way, along with enough healthy players to line up, there should be legitimate concern playing a returning Zach Wilson next Sunday.
Here are the key takeaways:
- After two games, Joe Burrow took 13 sacks. That’s an alarming amount. The Jets, however, were unable to get to Burrow with their pass rush. Yes, he was sacked twice, but the damage was mostly minimal. Burrow also helped his cause by getting rid of the ball quickly and moving the pocket with his legs.
- The offensive line continues to be a point of concern for the Jets. For most of the game, Flacco didn’t have time to get into a rhythm with his receivers. The left side of the line is patched up with tackle George Fant (knee) hurting. In the second half, Conor McDermott did his best to fill in for Fant, but was overwhelmed by a strong performance from Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson.
- This team needs more from the run game. The Jets ran it 20 times at 3.8 yards per carry for only 76 yards. Flacco, meanwhile, attempted 52 passes. I can see where offensive coordinator is looking to maximize the pass-catching skills of running backs, Michael Carter and Breece Hall. However, the Jets must show a stronger commitment to the run than they have so far.
- The Bengals only outgained the Jets by 329 yards to 328. The defense for the Jets, while showing flashes of their potential, remains inconsistent in key areas – discipline and getting key stops. On Cincinnati’s second touchdown drive, John Franklin-Myers was called for roughing the passer on 3rd and 9. The penalty extended the drive for the Bengals, ultimately leading to a 56-yard touchdown from Burrow to Tyler Boyd on a catch and run.
- Keep an eye on the defense for the next stretch of games. The Jets are strong at cornerback with Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. Additionally, the defense is playing the run well. There appears, however, to be an issue with the game-planning and/or overall communication. The D-Line struggled early with their pass rush. Burrow and the Bengals burned them in the first quarter whenever the Jets dialed up the blitz. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams voiced his displeasure with the coaching staff on the sidelines which was caught on tv cameras. Williams, however, did confirm after the game both sides are back on the same page. Additionally, Reed recommended the defense have a meeting to fix their communication issues. It’s worth watching, going forward, as the D-Line is head coach Robert Saleh’s meat and potatoes.
What’s Next
The Jets will begin preparing for their trip to Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh to face the Steelers next Sunday, Oct. 2 at 1:00 p.m.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
