The New York Jets jumped all over the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of Sunday’s game. They carry a 13-3 lead into halftime.
The last time the Los Angeles Rams were held scoreless in the first half came all the way back in 2016. That streak nearly ended on Sunday. It didn’t, however, courtesy of a late 45-yard Matt Gay field goal.
The 0-13 New York Jets lead the 9-4 Rams 13-3 at halftime. Incredibly, Frank Bush‘s defense is flying around as if it was a top-rated unit in the league.
A Sam Darnold to Ty Johnson 18-yard touchdown reception opened the scoring.
Big-time speed from @T_Johns6 💨
📺 #NYJvsLAR on FOX pic.twitter.com/51y8cyIwHj
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 20, 2020
New York attacked the Rams’ aggressiveness early. Darnold attacked the flat in an east-west strategy the entire drive.
Two Sam Ficken field goals extended the lead to 13 points. If not for a Braxton Berrios drop in the end zone, it would be a 17-3 Jets lead.
Jared Goff has done nothing. When his offense doesn’t rush the ball, Goff usually finds serious trouble. That’s been the case so far this afternoon.
Quinnen Williams and Nathan Shepherd have each picked up sacks.
.@QuinnenWilliams got the power and the quickness.
📺 #NYJvsLAR on FOX pic.twitter.com/BICqRLjKTt
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 20, 2020
Rookie Bryce Hall tallied his first NFL interception.
What a play, @BryceHall11 😲
📺 #NYJvsLAR on FOX pic.twitter.com/nqGSKsi6vn
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 20, 2020
Even the special teams unit has made an impact. Newcomer J.T. Hassell blocked a punt that set up Ficken’s first field goal.
J.T. Hassell making plays in his first game as a Jet 🛫
📺 #NYJvsLAR on FOX pic.twitter.com/6TMWZU9W5G
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 20, 2020
If not for questionable Adam Gase play-calling near the end of the half (putting it in the air), the Jets could be shutting out the Rams, 13-0.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ loss on Sunday to the Baltimore Ravens means a Jets victory would flip the two teams in the tank race. Jacksonville would control its own destiny.
