The reasons for the New York Jets’ latest loss are numerous and concerning.
First of all, the Jets’ special teams has become a significant problem. The Jets need to stop taking kicks out of the end zone, as it’s costing them valuable field position. The Jets continue to struggle with field goals, both with accuracy and effective blocking, as they allowed two kicks to be blocked in Pittsburgh (one wiped away by a questionable penalty).
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Offensively, the concerns are mounting for Aaron Rodgers. The 40-year-old has been inaccurate, often locks onto his primary reads, and shows poor pocket movement.
The offensive line continues to falter, especially in run blocking. In pass protection, Tyron Smith remains a notable weak point. We also saw too many batted balls at the line of scrimmage on Sunday.
New York also cannot protect the football. Garrett Wilson had a brutal drop that turned into a turnover, while Rodgers made a poor decision with a bad interception into Cover 2 before halftime.
It was Murphy’s law for the Jets after the first interception, “Anything That Can Go Wrong, Will Go Wrong.”
I wasn’t planning on watching the film, but I can’t stay away unfortunately.
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The pocket movement is also questionable, as the second hitch up in the pocket allows the DT an easy angle to get around Alijah Vera-Tucker. It would have been preferable for Rodgers to take one hitch up, settle, set his feet and rip the dig to Williams. Instead, it’s a sack. He just has not looked comfortable in the pocket since the New England game.
Keep in mind, it’s 2nd & 4. There is ZERO need to be forcing this ball. I don’t mind the aggressiveness; it’s just unfortunate outcome. I don’t know if Garrett was supposed to not bend his route off and try to continue through the 2 deep safety void, but either way, the throw is not good enough from Aaron. Not when you’re up 15-6 with under two minutes left in the first half. Can’t happen.
Unfortunately, Smith gives up a pressure fairly quickly, which makes Rodgers throw early and jump on his throw, causing it to be inaccurate. While the pressure was not ideal, I would have loved for Rodgers to create a little space and find a way to complete this. He has to. He just feels so immobile back there. Davante was way too open for this to not be completed. Smith also just cannot stop giving up pressures in important situations.
What was the play after this?
The second interception (Garrett’s drop).
I have minimal words left for this team.
