Panthers vs. Jets: Top 5 takeaways from Week 12 matchup

The New York Jets lose a tough one in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers as here are the five takeaways from this game.

The New York Jets continue to take steps back in development in Week 12 as they lost to the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium with the final score 35-27. From the second half and to the end of the game, the Jets had a shot to stun the Panthers but they continue to stumble in key situations.

Looking at the offensive side of the football, the late turnover was a very costly one. After a strong start, the Jets offense went 3 and out a lot and made the defense be on the field longer.

With the loss, the Jets are now 4-7 and will need to regroup and prepare for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13. In this game, there were many things as a fan make you shake your head.

Now, let’s take a deeper look and break down the top 5 takeaways from this Week 12 matchup.

Next: 5. Offense struggles late in the second half

5. Offense struggles late in the second half

Just like the last few weeks, the Jets looked completely lost in the second half and couldn’t establish any consistent drives.

Even though the Jets established 391 yards of total offense which is nothing to be ashamed of, it wasn’t enough to keep up with one of the better teams in the NFL. The multiple penalties hurt them tremendously as three of the seven were on the offensive side of the football.

The offensive play calling in the second half wasn’t mixed up which is frustrating to see under offensive coordinator John Morton. When the run game was not working he should have continued with the passing game.

The offense in the second half needed to stay on the field longer to give the defense a rest. It led them to lose what was a close game against the Panthers since they were gassed towards the final few moments of the fourth quarter.

Next: 4. Defense is unable to apply consistent pressure on Newton

4. Defense is unable to apply consistent pressure on Cam Newton

Even though the defensive line of the Jets had three quarterback sacks, they couldn’t apply it throughout the whole game. As the game went on, Newton was making fools of the Jets secondary.

Newton threw for 168 yards and looked like he had fun against the Jets defense. The Panthers were 2 for 3 in the red zone and the Jets were unable to do much against them as they scored at will in the second half. It was like if it was night and day with the Jets defense in how they finished the game.

The defensive line continues to improve their pass rush but they also continue to commit foolish penalties. They need to learn how to finish games on the defensive side of the football. They were embarrassed by too many missed assignments which continues to hurt their chances to win football games. One costly penalty was when Mike Pennel was called for roughing the passer and extended their offensive drive.

The offense of the Panthers dropped 291 yard of total yards which tell you nothing changed following the bye week. It continues to get frustrating to watch and you keep saying it is the “same old Jets” when it comes to the inconsistent play from the defensive line.

Next: 3. Secondary struggles in key situations

3. Secondary struggles in key situations

Just like how it has been all season, the Jets had a mediocre performance when it came to their defensive secondary which has been one of their biggest problems. Four costly penalties and many missed coverages allowed the Panthers receivers to get open. Head coach Todd Bowles can only do so much in preparing them so they can’t continue these foolish penalties.

Clearly, the secondary of the Jets has major work still ahead of them. They need to fix these issues if they’re to make key defensive stops. If they don’t fix these issues they have than opposing quarterbacks will continue to pick them apart for the rest of the season.

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Obviously, it will take time for the secondary to work as a cohesive unit, but yet again they lack in the fundamentals of coverage, sticking to assignments, and executing. They need to work on their footwork, and the hand use with an emphasis on communication. Every game they need to play bump and run and not give up a cushion for the receiver to execute the route. When it matters most, the secondary continues to give up too many big plays which the Panthers easily took advantage of in the latter part of the game.

Next: 2. Offensive line continues to falter

2. Offensive line continues to falter

The weakest part of the Jets continues to hurt them as the offensive line struggled against a very good Panthers defense. Sunday, it showed big time as the offensive line couldn’t maintain consistency to drive back defenders.

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They aren’t communicating in who needs to block and when a blitz is happening at any point. The offensive line was not able to contain the Panthers defensive pressure which allowed them to cash in on the Jets mistakes. They also had dumb penalties which destroyed drives that could have successfully added more points to the board.

The inexperience on the offensive line continues to be exposed on a weekly basis. Whomever the quarterback is could get hurt very easily and even make the offensive line play even worse. They need to get it together before eventually, one of the younger quarterbacks on the roster takes their spot to prove their worth if the Jets are mathematically eliminated from making the playoffs.

Next: 1. Yet another controversial call

1. Yet another controversial call

Late in the fourth quarter, Austin Seferian-Jenkins caught a pass and he clearly had possession that should have been a touchdown. After the play was reviewed, they decided to call it incomplete and it forced the Jets two plays later to kick a field goal.

That was once again one of the worst calls ever seen in all of professional football. They said he lost possession of the football and never maintained it when he hit the ground. He had the football against his body the whole time, I still don’t know what they were looking at.

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For a second straight game, Seferian-Jenkins had a touchdown taken away from him by a bogus call. Gang Green had a really good chance of winning this game but this was definitely a turning point. With this loss, it hurt the Jets playoff chances as they’re on the outside looking in.