3 winners (and 3 losers) from Jets' Week 3 loss to the Lions

The New York Jets fell short in their Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions, 31-24. Despite being out-talented and short-handed, fans should feel proud that they put up a decent fight.

It was an exciting day for the Jets offense, which recorded 335 yards of total offense, including 321 through the air from Geno Smith. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq may have just put the rest of the league on notice.

But who in particular stood out as a key contributor in Week 3? And who stood out in a bad way at Ford Field?

3 winners and 3 losers who stood out in the New York Jets' Week 3 loss

Winner: TE Kenyon Sadiq

Coming out of Oregon, Sadiq was labeled an athletic freak, armed with abnormal speed and athleticism for his position. On Sunday, he lived up to those labels.

With the Jets undermanned at both wide receiver and tight end, Sadiq had a monster day, hauling in seven receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown. It's clear he'll be a factor in New York's passing offense regardless of who is in the lineup going forward.

Loser: Jets defense

The Jets went into Week 3 with the league's No. 1 defense in terms of yards given up per game to opposing offenses, allowing an average of 197 yards to the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers. That likely won't be the case after their outing vs. the Lions.

New York's defense gave up 269 yards through the air to Jared Goff and had no answer for superstar running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The highest-paid rusher in the NFL totaled 164 scrimmage yards and had two rushing touchdowns. If the Jets could've gotten one more stop, they may have had a chance to win.

Winner: QB Geno Smith

In order for the Jets to beat the Lions, Smith was going to need to have a flawless outing. He wasn't perfect on Sunday, but he was pretty darn close.

The Jets' veteran gunslinger threw the ball 37 times, completing 31 passes for 321 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He did have a fumble that sealed the game for Detroit, but that play could be chalked up to a missed pass-protection assignment from Braelon Allen rather than a Smith mistake.

Loser: LT Olu Fashanu

In Week 1, the Jets looked like they may have the best offensive line in the league on their hands. Smith had all the time in the world to throw, and New York's run game had wide-open holes. It's been a different story the last two games.

The poster child for the Jets' offensive line struggles, particularly against the Lions, was third-year left tackle Olu Fashanu. According to Next Gen Stats, the former first-round pick allowed 2.5 sacks and gave up five pressures. Not ideal for the team's hopeful long-term blindside protector.

Winner: WR Garrett Wilson

Last week, The Jet Press begged the Jets offense to start using Garrett Wilson like the superstar he is. They probably didn't see the piece, but regardless, they listened. New York targeted their offensive star 13 times, and it paid dividends.

Wilson hauled in 10 receptions for 107 yards and the game-tying touchdown late in the contest. This needs to be the norm for the Jets' WR1. He suffered an injury at the end of the game and wasn't on the field for the Jets' final possession, but it seems like he'll be okay going forward.

Loser: Jets' special teams, Chris Banjo

In 2025, the Jets' special teams were the one area where you could say New York had an edge. Chris Banjo was getting heaps of praise, and he was even cited as a potential future head-coach candidate. They may need to pump the brakes on that.

Today in Detroit, the Jets could not get their return game going, and they gave up a 44-yard kick return to the Lions' Jacob Saylors late in the second quarter. Banjo needs to get this unit cleaned up and back to the level they were at just under a year ago.

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