Can’t say I’m Surprised, the Jets Deflate against the Cardinals, 31-6
QB Aaron Rodgers walking to the sideline, via AP Images
The second half of the TNF classic against the Texans seems to have been a once-in-a-lifetime moment, as it will never happen again. The Jets had all the momentum a team could have entering Sunday, awaiting a showdown against the Cardinals that they were favored in. However, the Jets have never seen a game in which they didn't like to prove betmakers wrong. With that being said, they'd face a rapid running offense led by QB Kyler Murray and RB James Conner; the Jets have the 21st-ranked defense against the run. The Jets began their meltdown quickly as the Cardinals would score a touchdown immediately thanks to a James Conner 44-yard reception, which led to a run-in touchdown on the goal line, Cardinals 7-0. The Jets responded with some fight after marching downfield but would only come away with a field goal, 7-3. This became a common trend for the Jets as they'd see themselves in this situation multiple times this game. The Cardinals would retaliate with a touchdown, 14-3. Yet again, the Jets settled for a field goal, and it proved that their offense wouldn't be up to par with Arizona's, 14-6. The Cardinal offense remained persistent with another touchdown, 21-6. The Jets offense began to crawl into its shell and punt it away. Arizona kicked a field goal before the halftime break, 24-6.
The game was essentially over after the first possession. The defense would not stop the Cardinals' offense, as they couldn't even stop a nosebleed. And the offense would have to be relied on to keep up with Kyler Murray. After the halftime break, the Jets would get a chance at gaining some momentum, and they tried that until they fumbled on 4th and goal. Then Arizona would respond with another touchdown, 31-6. The remainder of the game would prove pointless as it delayed the inevitable, which was another disappointing and deflating yet predictable loss for the Jets.
Every Jets fan has seen this exact episode many times before. Coming off of a long rest after an explosive win, the offense was electric; almost every team you need to lose lost, and all you had to do was win to be in the playoff conversation again. Of course, they lost; they'd inevitably crush their fans, and it's better it happened now than in Week 18 against Miami at home. It's time to call it quits. This team was an all-time failure. This franchise will soon officially hit rock bottom. We have a roster of veterans on expiring contracts during a lost win-now season and a group of young guys seeking long-term extensions. The GM, Joe Douglas, understandably, did not sell at the deadline because his contract will likely not be extended for the following season, so it makes no sense to when there's a small percentage at a playoff berth. So now they will soon find themselves in decision hell. The Jets will need to hire a GM and head coach and find a new quarterback in the offseason. They'll also have to decide on expiring contracts and contracts that need extensions. If I were the Jets, I'd first hire an actual Vice President of Football Operations who would be responsible for hiring the GM and Head Coach. Owner Woody Johnson is expected to join the Trump Administration as the UK Ambassador and his brother Christopher Johnson will take over in February. Therefore, this team will be in desperate need of a football guy. They need to hire a VP of Football Ops.
Oh also, newly acquired Steelers WR Mike Williams had more touchdowns than the entire Jets offense did, he had one catch.
The future looks bleak for Gang Green, but another rebuild will be upon One Jets Drive. Maybe this one works out. Only time will tell.
