New York Jets: Three stars from Sunday’s loss vs. Buffalo

Jets X-Factor sifts through the drudgery of a one-sided loss to Buffalo to find the New York Jets' silver linings in Week 10.

By Geoff Magliocchetti

Nov 15, 2021 - 8:28 am

Game Story

Michael Carter, New York Jets, Getty Images

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Several Jets made the most out of Sunday’s disaster

Ever since a Halloween surprise, the New York Jets’ affairs have been downright horrifying.

Sunday scaries were the theme of the Jets’ latest loss, a 45-17 defeat at the hands of their divisional rivals from Buffalo. The AFC East-leading Bills (6-3) put up 489 yards of offense in their Week 10 victory, marking the fourth occasion in which the Jets (2-7) have let up at least 450 yards this season, tying a dubious team record set in 2018.

Unlike last week’s loss in Indianapolis, the Jets couldn’t even make the most of garbage time. They hung tough with the Bills over the first half, trailing only 10-3 in the late stages of the second quarter, but lost control of the struggle when Buffalo put up 28 consecutive points.

Buffalo forced five turnovers on Sunday, all but one (a Corey Davis fumble) coming through Mike White interceptions. Stefon Diggs paced the Bills with 162 yards receiving, part of a 366-yard day for quarterback Josh Allen.

The Jets and Bills are slated to meet again in Orchard Park on Jan. 9, the final day of the regular season.

It was no easy task, but we found three silver linings in the Jets’ latest loss.

Honorable Mentions

WR Corey Davis: 5 catches, 93 yards
S Sharrod Neasman: 2 tackles, 1 INT
RB Ty Johnson: 5 catches, 36 yards
S Michael Carter II: 4 tackles, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery

3rd Star: S Jarrod Wilson

4 tackles, 1 sack

It’s hard to say too many nice things about the Jets’ defense right now. One of the most disappointing aspects of Sunday’s loss was that the team was able to keep place with Buffalo after yielding 10 points on their first two drives (one of which began 43 yards from the end zone) through a strong pass rush.

Jarrod Wilson, part of the revolving door of safeties that have subbed for LaMarcus Joyner, conjured MetLife Stadium’s loudest cheer on Sunday thanks to a sack of Allen from the blindside, the first of his NFL career.

A timely sack by Jarrod Wilson off the edge thanks to Jarrad Davis's position on a WR, Gabriel Davis, in the slot. (It wasn't pretty downfield.) #Jets pic.twitter.com/qNyuEwJBRS

— Jets X-Factor (@jetsxfactor) November 14, 2021

2nd Star: WR Elijah Moore

3 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD

Somehow, Moore has caught a touchdown pass from every Jets quarterback except his fellow rookie Zach Wilson.

Moore has used the franchise quarterback’s time off to develop confidence and consistency, and he helped the Jets end the weekend on a slight semblance of a high note through a 15-yard scoring hookup with Joe Flacco. Earlier on that final Jets drive of the game, Moore welcome Flacco back to the Jets with a 25-yard catch that put them in business.

It’s probably not fair, but any final assessment of the Jets’ 2021 offense is going to be judged by Wilson’s development and progress (or lack thereof). If Moore is able to provide him with a safe target upon his return, the Jets will be able to inch closer toward a positive return and look back on this season with at least a small sense of accomplishment.

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We’ll take an Elijah Moore TD even if it’s in garbage-time. #Jets #BUFvsNYJ | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/euUWHiSak0

— JetsCenter (@nyjetscenter) November 14, 2021

1st Star: RB Michael Carter

92 yards from scrimmage, 1 rushing TD

In Wilson’s absence, Carter has continued to establish himself as an essential part of the team’s future. His rushing endeavors were bottled up by a strong Bills defense (39 yards on 16 carries) but he was one of the Jets’ more reliable receivers (4 receptions, 43 yards) as their downfield faith in Mike White dwindled.

Carter wasn’t in the mood to discuss his continued contributions in the aftermath, even including himself in the Jets’ ongoing offensive struggles.

“We have to find a way. We can’t shoot ourselves in the foot. I think we did that way too much today. We’re a good team, we just didn’t show it,” Carter said, per notes from the Jets. “I know I can be a lot cleaner. How did I do? I’ll figure that out tomorrow.”