The good, the bad, and the ugly of Jets’ Week 3 loss
By Paul A. Esden Jr.
The New York Jets got embarrassed on the road in Kansas City in Week 3. So what was the good, the bad, and the ugly from the game?
Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) is unable to catch this pass while defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) and inside linebacker Justin March-Lillard (59) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets were flying high after their beat-down of the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. Those same Jets must have got flown into the wrong airport because they didn’t show up.
Related Story: Accuracy haunts Ryan Fitzpatrick in loss to Chiefs
This game was a real opportunity for the Jets to pad their AFC conference record and get a very important victory. The Jets got none of those things on Sunday and now face a long plane ride home.
While this game was embarrassing, it is only one loss. The Jets don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves because awaiting them in the Meadowlands are the Seattle Seahawks.
But before we get there, let’s analyze what went wrong in Kansas City. Here’s a breakdown of the good, the bad, and the ugly from their Week 3 loss.
Next: The Good
Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) hands off to running back Matt Forte (22) during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Good
While I pride myself on being the most optimistic Jets fan on planet Earth, there wasn’t much good to pull from this game.
The term shooting yourself in the foot found a whole new meaning on the road in Kansas City. But there were a few glimmers to take from this game.
The Jets finally got running back Bilal Powell involved on offense, sure, some of that was because the game got out of hand at the end. But in all honesty, the game was within reach until the final few minutes of the game.
While running back Matt Forte is the unquestioned bell cow of this offense, the Jets’ long term success is dependent on the balance in their backfield.
Next: The Bad
The Bad
Now we’re getting to the real meat and potatoes of this ugly 24-3 loss by the Jets. Where was the fourth best offense in the NFL throughout the game?
The Jets own version of the triplets was held to eight catches for 95 yards. After going off in Week 2, they were invisible against the Chiefs.
Surprise, surprise, the Jets continue to ignore the tight end position entirely. But the most surprising thing was that the Jets didn’t take advantage of one of the worst run defenses in football.
Not for a lack of trying because they attempted 22 rushes, but it just didn’t go anywhere. While things only get worse in the “ugly” section of this article.
Next: The Ugly
Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) talks to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) after their game at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
The Ugly
So let’s address the elephant in the room, the turnovers are pretty hard to ignore. The Jets came into the game with only two turnovers and left with eight more.
When you turn the football over, in general, you don’t win many games. But when you do it to the magnitude the Jets did and on the road, their chances of winning depleted to zero.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was awful and while several of the interceptions were tipped, he still deserves blame. He forced throws when they weren’t there and that has been his problem throughout his career.
Related Story: Turnovers doom Jets on the road in Kansas City
This won’t be the best defense they face this season. Up next they have Seattle, Arizona, and Pittsburgh to deal with.