The New York Jets’ offense continued to make them a league-wide laughingstock
No version of Danny Ocean could help the New York Jets break into the most secure place in Las Vegas: the end zone at Allegiant Stadium.
Despite a not-totally-disastrous effort from Zach Wilson, the Jets (4-5) were forced to leave Sin City without either, as they dropped a 16-12 decision to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10’s Sunday nightcap. The lone touchdown of the night proved to be the winner for the Raiders (5-5), as Aidan O’Connell found Michael Mayer from seven yards away in the opening stages of the fourth quarter.
Former Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer mossed the defender for his 1st career TD. 😮💨
🎥: NBC pic.twitter.com/XTvWj0qVz8
— Notre Dame Fighting Irish (@Insidetheirish) November 13, 2023
In a refreshing change of pace for the New York offense, the Jets scored on each of their first three drives, sustained by Wilson vindicating the faith that head coach Robert Saleh and Co. placed in him. Unrelated Wilsons Zach and Garrett got the Jets in Las Vegas territory for the first time with a 41-yard hook-up while the former later broke loose for a 23-yard gain that was originally ruled a touchdown before a replay review determined otherwise.
Atrapen a Garrett Wilson 🏃💨
El WR se echó una carrera de 41 yardas📺: @ESPNmx / @StarPlusLA#NFLMX | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/aclcInsukh
— NFL México (@nflmx) November 13, 2023
ZACH WILSON NEARLY TOOK IT THE DISTANCE pic.twitter.com/xz1vPqcnAE
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) November 13, 2023
Alas for those Jets fans in attendance, the scores in question were mere Greg Zuerlein triples, as penalties and indecisiveness in the red zone cost them a chance at six. The second triple, the one before Wilson’s run to near-glory, was set up by a Jordan Whitehead interception.
JORDAN WHITEHEAD INTERCEPTION pic.twitter.com/GweOfjiYT4
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) November 13, 2023
The Jets’ defense did its part to limit the damage caused by the offensive shortcomings, including consecutive sacks from John Franklin-Myers and the duo of Quinnen Williams and Solomon Thomas drove Las Vegas out of field goal range toward the end of the half.
John Franklin-Myers takes the Raiders out of field goal range
📺: #NYJvsLV on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/lfCP1NFAnO pic.twitter.com/ytJgqHWzGu— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2023
But the lack of touchdowns allowed Las Vegas to finally break through for a double: they were likewise limited to field goals at first, namely those from Daniel Carlson, but got in the red zone thanks to a long run from Josh Jacobs, a breakthrough from a workman-like effort that earned triple digits on 25 carries. They capitalized with the Mayer tally three plays later.
Josh Jacobs down to the 13!
📺: #NYJvsLV on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/lfCP1NFAnO pic.twitter.com/Zwkd7y80Wu— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2023
Jamien Sherwood forced a Jacobs fumble as the Raiders were going for a sealing score, allowing the Jets’ offense the chance at a game-winning drive. They made it to the Las Vegas 20, but Robert Spillane’s interception of Wilson more or less sealed the deal and allowed the Raiders to eat more clock. They failed to run it out, but the Raiders defense held strong one more time.
Robert Spillane just made the play of the game! 🔥
📺: #NYJvsLV on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/lfCP1NFAnO pic.twitter.com/XrJL6bDHip— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2023
The Jets return to action next Sunday when they open a divisional doubleheader against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags
