NY Jets embarrassed by unforced errors on Monday Night Football

The Jets can't get out of their own way

Justin Fried

NY Jets, Allen Lazard / Kevin R. Wexler - The Record / USA TODAY

The NY Jets entered their Week 9 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers riding a wave of momentum following a three-game winning streak. That momentum has all but disappeared following a difficult first half for the team.

Fumbles, drops, penalties, and a key special-teams blunder have been the story of the first half for the Jets. Typical strengths for the Jets have become weaknesses.

The usually stout Jets special teams unit allowed an 87-yard punt return by Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis in the first half. Star wide receiver Garrett Wilson lost a fumble. Standout running back Breece Hall dropped a pitch that should've been a big gain for the Jets.

The team can't get out of their own way. Unforced errors continue to halt any potential progress they could make. As a result, they're down 17-3 at the half.

Can the NY Jets turn it around in the second half?

The Jets have frequently been outplayed in the first half of football games this season. This is a team that's been outscored 75-12 in the first quarter by opponents this season. Somehow, that same team is still 4-3.

That bodes well for the Jets' chances of a comeback in the second half, but it's also fair to question if the team's second-half luck has run out. Can the Jets continue to overcome their first-half woes?

The Jets can't continue to place themselves in holes like this. They're fighting uphill every week, and eventually, they're not going to be able to make it back to the top of said hill.

Zach Wilson isn't sensing pressure, and his ball placement is off. He's receiving little help from his skill position group, particularly Allen Lazard. The first-down play-calling has also been a mess.

The Jets have proven time and time again that they can turn things around in the second half, but will it be too late this time? Let's find out.

Justin Fried

Justin Fried is an editor for FanSided who has over seven years of experience covering the NFL and various other sports. A diehard Jets fan since birth, Justin has served as the editor for The Jet Press since 2019, interviewing athletes such as Sauce Gardner, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe Klecko, and many others. Justin has also worked closely with brands like Red Bull to help highlight the niche sectors of the sporting world. His four-part series on the sport of breaking remains one of his proudest pieces of work. In his spare time, Justin is an avid pro wrestling fan who is fortunate enough to have traveled to nearly 30 different countries.