Could’ve against Dolphins now becomes must have v. Browns.
News flash – The Jets won’t challenge the ‘72 Dolphins’ undefeated season and Sam Darnold isn’t a lock for Rookie of the Year.
In a stark contrast to Week One’s drubbing of the Lions, the Jets fell short to the Dolphins in Week Two, 20-12. The Dolphins capitalized on Jets’ miscues and ran out to a 20-0 halftime lead.
The Jets offense, particularly the offensive line, was ineffective. The pocket collapsed consistently and Darnold was sacked three times. The Dolphins stuffed the run, too. The Jets could only muster 41 rushing yards.
Rookie Sam Darnold–who looked polished against the Lions (save that very early interception)–looked average against Miami. On the day, Darnold was 25 of 41 for 334 yards and a TD.
Darnold tossed two interceptions on Sunday with a 3rd quarter pick crushing NY’s comeback. The Jets scored to open the second half and, then, LB Jordan Jenkins forced and recovered a Ryan Tannehill fumble on the ensuing drive. The Jets had the ball at the Dolphin’s 12, but Darnold was promptly intercepted at the back of the end zone.
Enunwa winces after end zone overthrow. (photo, Getty Images)
The way the 3rd Quarter started came on the heels of the way the 2nd Quarter ended. The Jets had driven to the Miami 14. Darnold then overthrew a wide-open Quincy Enunwa in the end zone. On the next play, Darnold connected with rookie TE Chris Herndon, but Herndon was stopped just short of the goal line as the half ended.
There were positives on the day. The defense was solid on the ground and in the air. Miami’s top rusher Kenyan Drake ran for only 53 yards and Albert Wilson was the ‘Fins leading receiver with just 37 yards on 3 catches.
Now it’s on to the Browns, New York’s Thursday Night’s foe. And therein lies a challenge. Thirsting to end its long losing streak, Cleveland came close last week when it was minutes away from closing out the Saints. The Jets, on the other hand, will be playing their third game in just 11 days.
Is it a trap game? Hopes for a Jets’ bounce-back season hinges on a win.
