Wilson & Jets Again Struggle, Can't Close Out Dolphins

 DOLPHINS 31 - JETS 24 

The struggles continue for Zach Wilson and the New York Jets. Gang Green couldn't protect a 17-7 lead, as Miami stormed all the way back in the second half, beating back the Jets 31-24 to drop New York to 3-11. 

Unlike last week where the Jets couldn't get their offense going at all against the Saints, Wilson and company showed signs of life. There were trick plays, and plenty of golden opportunities. Unfortuantely for the Jets, they just couldn't finish it off. 

Wilson completed his first six passes of the day and engineered the Jets on a 10-play, 83-yard scoring drive that culminated in a Braxton Berrios touchdown on a reverse to give the Jets a 7-0 lead. In the first half Wilson showed improved accuracy; was connecting with his receivers on shorter throws and withstood the Dolphins heavy blitz packages. 

And for a while it looked like the Jets were on their way to pulling out the upset. After the Jets opening touchdown, Jets safety Ashtyn Davis picked off Tua Tagovailoa to set up the Jets inside the Dolphins 30. New York settled for the field goal to take a 10-0 lead. 

Later, in the second quarter, Wilson again had the Jets on the move. A 23-yard completion to Ryan Griffin set up shop at the Dolphins' 17. After three straight runs by Tevin Coleman, Wilson scored on a quarterback keeper to give the Jets a 17-7 lead. 

That was as good as it got for the Jets for the rest of the day. 

New York's offense went into a proverbial tortoise shell. Wilson reverted back to the rookie hijinks that have left Jets' fans scratching their heads. He tried to do too much. He held onto the ball too long as he was consistently looking for the home run down field. And was promptly sacked six times. 

The Jets managed only 44 yards of offense in the second half. Wilson was even stripped sacked when New York was trying to answer a Dolphins touchdown. It was a poor display for Gang Green. 

The only reason New York even had a shot in this game had a lot to do with the pick-six of Tagovailoa by Brandin Echols that tied the game at 24. 

Even with that shot of momentum, the Dolphins quickly answered as Tagovailoa led the Fins to a 75-yard touchdown drive, culminating in an 11-yard pass to DeVante Parker to make it 31-24. 

To add insult to injury the Jets defense again struggled. The Jets were gashed for 183 yards on the ground, with Duke Johnson lead the way with 103 yards all to himself. In addition defensive tackle Christian Wilkins caught a touchdown pass from Tagovailoa before doing his version of the Lambeau Leap into a group of Miami fans. 

At 3-11, the losses are stacking up for the Jets. Next up, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jets can't lose to Tervor Lawrence can they?