Classic Jets Heartbreak in London: The Jets lose to Minnesota, 23-17
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers and Vikings QB Sam Darnold, via newyorkjets.com
Outcoached. Miscommunication. Messy.
Those were the three keys to the Jets' loss on Sunday to the Vikings in London. It was an early one for every American Jets fan who woke up on Sunday morning with a feeling of optimism. That there was a chance to come out of London victorious because it was a new week. Even if it is against the undefeated Sam Darnold-led Minnesota Vikings, there was still that new week optimism. That was until the first quarter. When bad things happen for the Jets, it's quick. We started the game with a three-and-out, and Minnesota came onto the field. On the first play, QB Sam Darnold threw it to star WR Justin Jefferson, and he bobbled the ball. Most teams turn that ball over, but CB Sauce Gardner could not come up with it, and the Vikings went downfield to score a field goal, 3-0. Another three and out, but this time with a hint of miscommunication as the Rodgers-Wilson connection hasn't been too productive for the Jet offense.
However, the defense offers an opportunity for the Jet offense as they pick up a bad HB toss play and turn it over. LB Quincy Williams was credited for the fumble recovery, but he had a clear path to a touchdown and stumbled due to a Sam Darnold arm pull. However, the Jets offense cannot find any rhythm, and Rodgers threw a pick-six in an intended pass for WR Garret Wilson. Minnesota to scores, 10-0. Thought that was bad? The Jets get the ball back, and this time, Rodgers tried connecting with WR Allen Lazard and another interception. This was the first time ever Aaron Rodgers threw two interceptions in the first quarter. With little to no respect for the Jets, Minnesota goes for it on 4th and Goal and turns it over on downs. Now, the Jets have another chance. Jets drove downfield and found themselves on a 4th and 1 in deep Minnesota territory. Coach Saleh elected to go for it, but the Jets couldn't come up with it. Saleh misses out on three crucial points, 10-0. Minnesota drove downfield and scored a touchdown after two debatable penalty calls on CB Sauce Gardner, 17-0. It is looking bleak for the Jets. However, we received the ball once more before halftime and after a great Xavier Gipson punt return. The Jets would set up shop deep in Minnesota's territory. Rodgers would connect with Lazard for a touchdown, 17-7. Lots of momentum heading into the intermission.
The Jets would stump Sam again, but both offenses couldn't get going, so after three punts combined, the Jets decided to get back into it. They started the drive on their third-yard line and would see the scariest sight this season thus far. Aaron Rodgers went down in agony, grabbing his legs. Many panicked, but he later revealed it was a low-ankle sprain and stayed in the game. The Jets got a penalty called in their way and received the ball closer to Minnesota territory. They wouldn't finish the drive with a touchdown, but they took the easy three, 17-10. Minnesota would later respond with a field goal in the fourth quarter after a very silent third quarter, 20-10. On the following drive, CB Brandin Echols would snag an interception and give the Jets a spark they desperately needed. Rodgers would connect with Wilson, and the two finally found a rhythm for a touchdown. It was looking good for the Jets. However, Minnesota, as any well-coached team would, did not allow the momentum to affect their style of play. They still put three points on the board and extended their lead to six.
It was time for the last stand. Three minutes left. A touchdown wins the game. Rodgers was completing check down after check down, and the drive looked promising. The offense was clicking, but Minnesota's defense was not allowing any BIG plays. Rodgers would attempt a pass to WR Mike Williams, and he completely underthrew it straight into Minnesota CB Stephon Gilmore's hands for a game-losing, heartbreaking interception. The Jets, with all that momentum, would go out sad, and Minnesota left London undefeated.
The Jets played a sloppy game. They beat themselves out of a win. The miscommunication between Rodgers and the receivers is still very noticeable. He's seeing the game in a totally different way than they are, and it has led to most of those interceptions. It was good to see him and WR Garrett Wilson finally mesh, but it still led to a loss. Another embarrassing aspect was the coaching. I am one of Coach Saleh's few biggest believers, but today, he was outcoached. He didn't know when to challenge plays and failed to adjust the scheme to have the Jets' best CB, Sauce Gardner, guard Minnesota's superstar WR Justin Jefferson. Very embarrassing. London was such a winnable game. This team should be 4-1 going into Monday Night Football. Instead, Monday becomes a must-win as we face the divisional rivals, Buffalo Bills. They're coming off a loss to Houston, and QB Josh Allen took a nasty head hit late in the game. I understand that the referees were harsh on the penalty calls today, but the Jets did not make any offensive adjustments from last week. They still need to improve the Rodgers-WR room connection. The offensive line isn't opening as many gaps for the running backs to run through. However, the defense looks great, and Will McDonald IV is the truth. They made "MVP" Sam Darnold look mediocre and held him to under 200 passing yards. The only complaint I have is the team awareness. If the ball is in the air, come down with it… Sauce. However, I don't know if this is hyperbole, but it feels accurate since Rodgers needs someone familiar with his game. If Davante Adams isn't a Jet by Friday, the season could get even uglier much quicker. Sources say, the Adams trade is expected to occur within the next 48hrs, now we wait…
Onto Monday Night, beat Buffalo.
