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New York Jets: Team loses in Week 3 due to sloppy defense

ByMatthew Ordazzo|

Relax fans of the New York Jets, it’s one game, were still 2-1 through the first three weeks of the season. Our next stop is London, to take on a battered Miami Dolphins who defensively, have not been able to hold their own.

The 0-2 Philadelphia Eagles took the stage this past weekend at MetLife stadium against an undefeated, 2-0 Jets team. Early on, analysts, fans and former players all had the Jets winning by double digits because of their unstoppable defense, well, that wasn’t that case for the Jets this week as the Eagles’ defense outshined the Jets’ defense in a Week 3 showdown.

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The Eagles afternoon was sparked by no one other than Darren Sproles, who returned a punt for an 89-yard touchdown and also tacked on a 1-yard rushing touchdown to his performance.

While Sproles helped lift the Eagles to their first win of the season, their defense truly deserves the game ball.

The Eagles’ defense forced four turnovers. When asked about their defensive performance, quarterback Sam Bradford, via ESPN.com said

"“I feel like the first couple of weeks, there was a lot of pressure on us,” said Bradford. “I feel like we were all pressing a little bit. It’s just nice to get that first one. Now that pressure’s gone.”"

Ryan Fitzpatrick made a valiant comeback effort, throwing touchdown passes to both Brandon Marshall and Jeremy Kerley trimming the lead down to 24-17, but could not maintain the momentum as the Eagles’ secondary picked him off three times, and also forced one fumble.

The Jets’ defense is a defense that has wasted little time making a name for themselves, forcing 10 total turnovers in the first two games of the season. This past weekend however, they only managed one turnover.

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Bair (93) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

This week’s matchup was perfect for the Jets, Bradford at the helm, Murray ruled out of the game, there was no way we could lose. Ryan Mathews filled in for the absent Murray and rushed for over 100 yards on 25 carries. The Jets’ defense was easily outplayed by the Eagles.

While the Jets now know a perfect 16-0 season is now out of the question, it’s time to move on to Week 4. The Dolphins could also be a sleeper team that comes out the gates swinging. Their defense has not been what they’ve been hyped up to be during the off season.

It’s all about how you respond after a close and disappointing loss such as this weekend’s loss to see what kind of identity this team has. Will the Jets learn from their mistakes and right the wrongs and move on to 3-1, or will they self-destruct and fall to 2-2? If they play like they did against the Eagles then they’re in for a rude awakening. If they can come out and perform like the Week 1 and Week 2 Jets, then a successful season is on the horizon.

Like I said earlier, let’s not panic as it’s only Week 3. There’s plenty more football left on the season. A tough loss such as this one stings like a bee, but it’s all about how you respond following a loss. Next up, a divisional matchup, the Jets first of the season and the Dolphins second divisional matchup of their season. Time to see what these teams are made of.

Next: New York Jets: Mistakes doom team in loss to Philadelphia

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