NY Jets: Team handed Buffalo their latest victory

The NY Jets were given countless opportunities to make the ultimate comeback and beat the division rival Buffalo Bills, instead they crumbled and fell short once again.

It was a cool, breezy and drizzly night at MetLife Stadium Thursday night, perfect football weather as the Jets hosted there division rival Buffalo Bills, captained by the Jets former skipper, Rex Ryan. The stadium was filled with a sea of Kelly green fans awaiting the arrival of Ryan and his Bills. I can honestly say, that game was one of the loudest and most intense football games I have ever seen at MetLife Stadium.

This game was not only a divisional match-up, this game was personal. Despite what Ryan said in press conferences prior to the game, on both sides of the field, this match-up truly meant more than just any other.

The Bills in the end, walked out of Gotham with a 22-17 victory over the Jets. Gang Green practically handed the win to Buffalo on a silver platter, their were countless opportunities the Jets were given to pull off the upset and defeat Ryan’s bills. Instead, they couldn’t get the job done.

The Jets made a valiant and exciting comeback late in the game with Ryan Fitzpatrick connecting with Brandon Marshall for a touchdown to make the game 22-10. Mid-way through the fourth, Fitzpatrick connected with Eric Decker for a big touchdown making it a five point game. Unfortunately, no matter how many three and outs the Jets’ defense forced following Decker’s touchdown, the Jets would ultimately fall short once again.

The turning point in the game was when Buffalo botched a punt late in the fourth and the Jets had a fresh set of downs in the red zone. Ivory would then take the hand off and run for eight, the following play, the Bills front stuffed Ivory making it a critical third down for Gang Green. Fast forward one play and the Jets face their most vital fourth down of the season so far.

Fitzpatrick takes the snap, lobs the ball in the end zone for Kellen Davis and it’s just out of the tight ends reach. The Bills later punted the ball giving Gang Green one more chance left with less than 30 seconds left. The final knife in the coffin was when Fitzpatrick threw his third and final interception of the game sealing the Bills 22-17 victory. Buffalo improves to 5-4 while the jets drop to 5-4 and third place in the AFC East.

According to the Media Relations Department of the Jets when Ryan was asked about his teams victory, his response was.

“I can tell the truth, this thing is kind of like being dumped by some girl you have the hots for” said Ryan. “Every guy in this room has been dumped by a girl. You move on, and every now and then, they call you back. And they can’t have you back.”

If anyone truly believed this game was not personal for Ryan then I don’t know where you’ve been for the past six seasons. He wanted to win this game to prove a point to the Jets’ front office. He indeed walked out of New Jersey with the upper hand over his former team.

Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan arrives at MetLife Stadium before a game against the New York Jets. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

When Fitzpatrick was asked about his team’s performance, he had this to say.

“It’s just a very frustrating game. Especially when they hand us the gift with the dropping the punt.” Said Fitzpatrick. “We had a million chances today in the second half.”

A million chances is right, it wasn’t just a game the team wanted to win, it was one the fans wanted just as bad. It’s frustrating to see the other team practically hand you the victory and then you hand it right back. But that’s the reality of professional football.

Next: Fans of the Jets truly need to relax

The season is far from over, any loss is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s all about how you respond following a tough defeat. The Jets next match-up is a showdown with the Houston Texans, Sunday afternoon, at one o’clock. This match-up will be no walk in the park, as the Jets’ depth in the running back position has slimmed down after Zac Stacy fractured his ankle during their Thursday night game and is out for the season. It now leaves their backfield with Ivory and newly activated Stevan Ridley.

The Jets will seek a much needed victory to improve their record to 6-4 and possibly regain their overall chemistry. For now, it’s time to hit the film room and once again, work on getting through their mistakes.