Finally the Jets get over the hump: Jets defeat Jaguars 32-25
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Davante Adams, via Mike Carlson / Getty Images
From Halloween to nearly Christmas week, the Jets have been on a four-game losing streak throughout November and early December. It wasn't enough to close out games even with emerging young talent like LT Olu Fashanu, EDGE Will McDonald IV, RB Braelon Allen, and RB Isaiah Davis. Besides the loss to Arizona that started this losing streak, every game was a one-score game in which the Jets blew leads. Last week's overtime loss to Miami was the hardest to watch due to how good the offense played, but ultimately, the defense was picked apart and torn to pieces. This week's game against Jacksonville proved that offensive performance may not have been a fluke; duly noted it was against the Jaguars. However, the offense looked promising for 2025.
The Jets' defense allowed an opening drive touchdown, and Jacksonville took an easy 7-0 lead. And after another third-and-out seemed inevitable, the Jets faked a punt for a first down, they went off the momentum and went downfield for a touchdown, 7-7. Facing Jacksonville with Mac Jones under center wasn't going to be the most challenging task for this defense; as long as you guard rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr., you should be fine. That first touchdown was a reflection of failure to cover Brian Thomas Jr. but the Jets had adjustments and got Mac to throw an interception. However, the offense failed to capitalize on it. Jacksonville scored two field goals to close out the first half, and the Jets failed to score any points in the second quarter, Jags 13-7.
Both teams opened up with field goals, but the Jets continued to score and put up a touchdown to take the lead. The Jets scored 17-16. Then, both offenses failed to muster up a productive drive and punted. Rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr. finally got his touchdown when Mac Jones threw it to him for the lead, they failed to complete the two-point conversion, Jags 22-17. The Jets attempted to retaliate but missed their field goal attempt. When the Jets got the ball back, WR Davante Adams had a good game that was only destined to get better; QB Aaron Rodgers threw a 71-yard touchdown pass for the lead, Jets 25-22. The Jaguars responded with a field goal to tie the game, 25-25. The Jets continued to burn the clock and get downfield to take the lead. Rather than clocking out the time and attempting a game-winning field goal, the Jets opted for the touchdown with RB Breece Hall for the lead, Jets 32-25. With a mere minute left, QB Mac Jones failed to get a big play and threw an interception to SAUCE GARDNER. That was his first interception in years. Jets win.
In my last article, I said, "The tank is on," and now the Jets finally won a game; oh, the irony. With a win on Sunday, the Jets are placed eighth overall in the draft, as opposed to last week when they were seventh overall. The win barely affected them, and it was worth keeping their dignity. The Jets could've been sixth overall with a loss, but there isn't much difference between the two selections. At the end of the day, having a premiere selection doesn't indicate anything for the Jets. They had the second overall pick just a few years back and ended up with one of the biggest busts in the franchise, maybe NFL, history. They find themselves at eighth overall with a position to pick a premiere talent. It was a great win on Sunday, and Aaron Rodgers continues to show that he may have just been rusty. He seems healthy and has been connecting with WRs Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson on a consistent flow. The Jets should seriously consider running it back next season with a revamped defense and strong head coach. The future COULD be bright, could be.
