Jets Implode Late Against Lions
LIONS 20 - JETS 17
It was more than just the quarterback that was the problem for the
New York Jets on Sunday.
It was a culmination of so many issues: bad coaching; poor clock management; big mistakes by the quarterback, poor tackling by the Jets defense in big spots, and ultimately a missed field goal. All of that combined to lead Gang Green to a 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions, putting its playoff hopes severely in doubt.
In the fourth quarter it appeared that the Lions had given the Jets an early Christmas gift when they missed a 54-yard field goal, giving Gang Green great field position near mid-field. The Jets turned the gaff into points.
Zach Wilson, who produced a mixed bag overall on Sunday, put up a wobblier that hung up in the air long enough for Garrett Wilson to jump up and catch it at the Detroit 21.
A few plays later, Wilson tried to dive into the end zone for the score, but replay ruled the Jets quarterback down inside the one-yard line. Wilson finally hit C.J. Uzomah for their second touchdown connection on the day to put New York up 17-13.
Then the Jets defense totally failed Gang Green. Facing a critical fourth and inches, the Lions decided to throw the football and it worked out to perfection. Jared Goff hit Brock Wright in the open flat, and the back-up tight end turned it up field and went untouched for a 51-yard score to put Detroit up 20-17.
The cacophony of errors were only just beginning for the Jets. New York had 1:49 to either get in position to tie the game with a field goal or win it with a touchdown. Instead Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh didn’t use a timeout until there were 19 seconds in the game when Zach Wilson was sacked for the second time on the drive.
For his part, Wilson was no better. He took a sack on the first play of the drive, then missed Braxton Berrios wide to force a huge third and 19. Later he overshot Elijah Moore by 20 feet on a third and 18.
Finally on fourth and 18, Wilson ran around the pocket looking for an open man, wasting valuable time before heaving a desperation throw to Moore who caught the ball at the Lions 40. Luckily for the Jets, Saleh called timeout with one second left.
Greg Zuerlien promptly missed a 58-yard field goal, ending a disastrous effort by Gang Green.
As for Wilson, his day was a mixed bag. There were some great plays like his 40-yard touchdown pass to Uzomah in the second quarter, and there were plenty of overthrows and missed opportunities. There was even a moment when receiver Garrett Wilson threw his hands up in frustration at this quarterback.
Will Wilson start Thursday against Jacksonville? Chances are he will. Mike White is going to get another evaluation on Monday, but it's a short turnaround til Thursday. Expect to see Wilson under center in the Jets home finale.
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