The New York Jets’ 23-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens was almost perfect.
“Wait, what?” — (You, probably.)
Okay, maybe the word “perfect” is a tad strong for a 13-point defeat in the NFL. But with all things considered, the Jets’ trip to Baltimore as 14.5-point underdogs (per ESPN) could not have gone much better for their long-term prospects.
Even with a 13-point final margin, the Jets kept the game closer than they were expected to. Yet, this contest was much more competitive than the 23-10 final score lets on.
The Jets held the halftime lead and never trailed across the first 36 minutes of the game, their longest stretch without trailing in a road game this season. While Baltimore took the game over in the third quarter, the Jets came within three yards of cutting the Ravens’ lead to 20-17 with about seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, only falling short due to a Breece Hall fumble (which, of course, bounced the Ravens’ way, as fumbles always do against the Jets).
In the end, New York outgained the new AFC North leaders by 41 yards (282 to 241). The Jets were better on third down (4/11 vs. 2/11), averaged more net yards per pass attempt (6.6 vs. 6.0), picked up more yards per carry (3.0 vs. 2.9), and only had one fewer first down (15 vs. 16).
The final score flipped Baltimore’s way because New York lost the swing factors. Hall’s fumble was a back-breaker, whereas the Ravens had no turnovers. The Jets also missed their lone crucial fourth-down attempt, while the Ravens converted both of theirs. Executing in these situations is something that Aaron Glenn and the young Jets must learn how to do, especially against teams as talented and well-coached as Baltimore.
But from an overall lens, the Jets went toe-to-toe with the Ravens on a down-to-down basis, and that should not be overlooked. Not to mention, they did it in Baltimore, which is one of the league’s toughest road environments. Considering the talent discrepancy between these teams, it’s unrealistic for Jets fans to have expected much more out of their squad.
The best part for the Jets is that their competitiveness in this game was anchored by young players who can be a part of the franchise’s long-term plan. Applauding this type of loss would be moot if the driving forces were lame-duck players who will not be a part of the future, but the Jets can take solace in this one because their competitiveness can be built upon in the coming years.
Second-year defensive tackle Jowon Briggs had a massive sack, continuing his red-hot pass-rush breakout. The Jets’ young secondary took away Lamar Jackson’s throwing options all game long.
Breece Hall had moments of dominance, while the second-round receiver duo of John Metchie and Adonai Mitchell combined for eight receptions and 107 yards. The young offensive line also provided another strong outing, particularly in pass protection, as Tyrod Taylor enjoyed plenty of clean pockets throughout the game.
All the while, by losing the game, the Jets climbed one spot on the draft board, inching one step closer to a potential franchise quarterback.
The good news for New York is that their gargantuan treasure chest of draft assets will alleviate some of the pressure for them to tank their way into the top pick. They have the ammo to trade up if they have to.
However, it would undoubtedly be better for the Jets’ future if they could land their franchise quarterback without having to give up more long-term building blocks to get him. Think back to 2018, when the Jets’ blockbuster deal to land Sam Darnold cost them the assets they needed to strengthen Darnold’s supporting cast, causing him to land on a hellish roster for a young quarterback.
So, if the Jets can continue climbing the draft board while staying competitive on the field through the success of their young players, it’s arguably the best-case scenario. It’s not something that an NFL team will ever deliberately pursue, but we have seen time and time again how valuable this type of season can be.
The 2021 Lions showed plenty of competitiveness in Dan Campbell’s debut season. Still, they only won three games, and they were rewarded with Aidan Hutchinson, who just yesterday made another game-winning play in a Lions victory. Where would the Patriots be if the Jets didn’t beat them in the 2023 finale to allow Drake Maye to fall into their laps? Bengals head coach Zac Taylor would have never made two AFC championship appearances if Cincinnati didn’t go 2-14 in his debut season to land Joe Burrow.
The final result of a “W” is valuable when a team needs those Ws to pursue a championship, but the Jets are no longer pursuing a championship in 2025. That’s why it’s important for fans to evaluate their games not in terms of wins and losses, but by peeling back the layers and seeing if they have achieved any sustainable trends that can help them collect wins in future years. That can be accomplished without actually winning the game, and in Baltimore, the Jets did exactly that.
Fans should be thrilled about it.
Yes, picking up the road win in Baltimore would have been a phenomenal signature victory for Glenn and his young team as they seek to reshape the culture in Florham Park. However, from a long-term sustainability standpoint, the Jets essentially did put out a winning effort.
New York outplayed Baltimore from down to down. The young players who anchored that success will soon be surrounded by a plethora of new and improved pieces at the positions that are holding the Jets back.
The loss occurred because the Ravens beat the Jets on all three critical fourth downs and got both of the game’s fumbles to bounce their way. While those factors are undoubtedly pivotal in determining any single game, the outcomes of those small-sample, high-variance swing factors carry much less long-term value for the Jets’ prospects than the way they played from down to down across 115 combined plays from scrimmage.
Aaron Glenn had the undermanned Jets playing up to the apex of their abilities in an extremely challenging matchup. The team played hard and showed passion. They did it for four quarters, too, as they came out strong and stayed in the fight. Many of their young players continued trending in a positive direction. All the while, they climbed one spot on the draft board and remain one game back of the top pick.
Realistic Jets fans understand that this was a fantastic Sunday for the future of the team.
