Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh watches game action against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New York Jets at Las Vegas Raiders
(Florham Park, NJ) – After the New York Jets were blown out by the LA Chargers two weeks ago, running back Breece Hall said the team needed to “grow up.”
Apparently, the week leading up to the most recent loss – against the Las Vegas Raiders – didn’t provide much opportunity for that kind of growth. Because after Gang Green failed to score a TD in their second straight loss, linebacker C.J. Mosley struck a similar tone: “It’s time to grow up. We got some tough games coming, we’re not out of the playoffs yet, I haven’t seen nothing say we got eliminated. Have a short memory, let’s get back to work.”
Head coach Robert Saleh seems to feel as though the same story is playing out on a weekly basis, as evidenced by his postgame comments: “Same as the last couple of weeks. Just self-inflicted wounds. We have to figure out how to stop shooting ourselves in the foot when we get those opportunities.”
The coach was likely referring to the Jets one step forward, one step back type of script on Sunday. Despite getting themselves into Las Vegas territory on five separate drives, the Jets were forced to settle for field goals. Several costly drops unfolded on key passes. In total, the Jets were flagged for eight penalties on offense.
The self-inflicted errors via penalties was the key gist of QB Zach Wilson’s post game thoughts: ““It literally feels like every single big play and every good play we have is getting called back. We were moving the ball well, they weren’t really stopping us, we were stopping ourselves. Just gotta be better.”
The other Wilson, wide receiver Garrett, is similarly frustrated: “I’m tired of this. I want to play better, the offense wants to play better, that’s what we’re trying to do. We come out every week trying to make it happen, it’s frustrating.”
Members of the offense seem to be aware they’re just not living up to their end of the bargain, all while the Gang Green defense continues to play like one of the league’s best.
Tight end Tyler Conklin indicated the team has no other choice but to “figure it out. There’s nothing else to say about it. We can’t keep can’t keep going out here and doing this over and over again and letting the defense and the team down.”
With two straight AFC East divisional matchups pending on the schedule (first Buffalo, then Miami) it’s well beyond time for the Jets to “grow up,” if they can.
