The New York Jets fought their way back from a 14-point deficit in Detroit, but their comeback ended one drive short.
Sunday’s loss was yet another heartbreaker following last week’s overtime loss, but for a different reason in Detroit.
The Jets started with the ball, but went three-and-out after Geno Smith slid short of the marker on third-and-2.
After punting, Detroit’s offense gained momentum and beat the Jets’ defense with successful play-action looks. However, facing third-and-7 near midfield, an Andre Cisco sack forced a Lions punt.
Both defenses controlled the first quarter. Both offenses found some rhythm, but each defense responded, and the first quarter ended scoreless.
To start the second frame, the Jets’ run defense, which held strong in the first quarter, began to bend. Jahmyr Gibbs had six touches for 43 yards on the first drive of the second quarter, but New York’s defense prevented a touchdown, forcing the Lions to settle for a 30-yard field goal, giving the home team a 3-0 lead.
The Jets answered on their next possession, as Smith led a seven-play, 74-yard drive, finding Jelani Woods for a juggling 20-yard catch before connecting with Kenyon Sadiq on a perfectly placed 24-yard touchdown pass. It was Sadiq’s first receiving TD and gave New York a 7-3 lead.
However, the Lions quickly regained their lead. On the ensuing drive, Jared Goff commanded a lengthy 12-play drive that ended with an Amon-Ra St. Brown TD in the back corner of the end zone.
The Jets had a chance to add some points before halftime, but two penalties stalled their final drive of the half. Smith’s Hail Mary from the Jets’ 45-yard line was knocked down in the end zone, sending the Jets into the break trailing 10-7.
To begin the second half, Detroit started to break away. They drove downfield on the opening possession of the half, and Gibbs capped it off with an astonishing TD. He looked contained, but he reversed field, slipped past multiple defenders, and scored from 17 yards out. The TD pushed the Lions’ lead to 17-7 with 10:56 left in the third quarter.
The Jets responded with a promising drive, sparked by Garrett Wilson’s 32-yard jumping grab over former teammate D.J. Reed. They reached the Detroit seven, but back-to-back sacks pushed them out of the red zone.
Jason Sanders salvaged a 42-yard field goal to cut the Lions’ lead to 17-10 with 6:30 left in the third quarter, but the team wasted a perfect opportunity to score their second touchdown of the game.
Despite that, Detroit continued to roll into the fourth quarter. Gibbs scored from a yard out on the first play of the quarter after a methodical drive, marking his second TD of the day and the Lions’ third straight touchdown drive.
On the ensuing drive, though, the Jets remained in the game, delivering a much-needed touchdown drive. On third down at the Lions’ four, Smith found Jeremy Ruckert for a four-yard TD catch. The team elected to go for the two-point conversion, which is pro-analytics given the situation. However, Smith’s two-point pass fell incomplete, leaving the Jets down 24-16 with 11:17 to play.
The Jets weren’t done. After a huge defensive stop on fourth down near midfield, the Jets tied it up. Smith found Wilson for a jaw-dropping 22-yard TD on fourth-and-six. Wilson was initially ruled down at the one, but Aaron Glenn challenged the call, and the replay showed it was a TD.
Smith then connected with Sterling Shepard for the two-point conversion, tying the game at 24 after New York trailed by 14 early in the fourth quarter.
The tie didn’t last long. Detroit went 65 yards in just four plays, and on third down, Gibbs was left open for an 11-yard touchdown catch. His third score of the game put the Lions back ahead 31-24 with 2:25 left, leaving the Jets with one final chance to make some magic.
Smith gave the Jets a chance on the final drive, finding Sadiq for a big gain near midfield before going back to Wilson. Sadiq reached seven catches for 105 yards, becoming the first Jets rookie tight end with a 100-yard game since Dustin Keller in 2008.
New York was still moving the ball, down 31-24 and needing a touchdown to extend the game. However, a sack by former Jet Chuck Clark as Detroit sent the house forced a fumble on Smith, turning the ball over and ending the game.
Following Sunday’s devastating loss, the Jets are now 1-2 on the season. They will look to get their second win of the year next week in Chicago against the Bears, who are expected to be without Caleb Williams.
