Optimism is a very fragile thing. Too little of it and you allow pessimism to thrive. Too much and you can become arrogant and conceited. A fine line exists because life can come at you quickly. That’s how the fan base felt after watching the game. The New York Jets went into Monday night’s game riding a three-game winning streak. Losses by both the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins would have placed New York a half-game back of the AFC East division.
Unfortunately, the Jets’ offense had a match-up with Joey Bosa and the Los Angeles Chargers. While another great showing on defense, New York’s offense once again held the team back from victory. Three and out became the theme of the game. Poor blocking all night. Fumbles. Dropped passes and more allowed Los Angeles to win 27-6. Both teams are now 4-4 as the AFC Wildcard picture continues to clear up.
3 and Out: New York Jets Three-Game Winning Streak Ends
Excitement filled the air at Metlife on Monday. The New York Jets claimed their third consecutive victory this season with an overtime victory over the New York Giants last week. Their second consecutive win over an NFC playoff team as well. On the opposite sideline, the Los Angeles Chargers were coming off a blowout victory over the Chicago Bears at SoFi Stadium. Both teams looked for a win to entrench their spot in the wild-card race.
Upon the opening drive, Robert Saleh and his first-rate defense were firing on all cylinders. Immediately, the Jets dominating front seven were able to gain momentum by holding Herbert to a three-and-out. Soon, New York gained possession. Inauspiciously, Zach Wilson and the offense couldn’t put together a drive and had to punt. Tragically, the ensuing kick resulted in Derius Davis running 87 yards to secure the Chargers a quick 7-0 lead.
DERIUS DAVIS 87-YARD PUNT RETURN TD
📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/SscseBtaDQ
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 7, 2023
From Bad to Worse
Afterward, New York regained possession and began to move the ball down the field. Managing to get into Charger territory, Zach Wilson found Garrett Wilson for 7 yards, only for the reigning offensive rookie of the year to fumble the ball. Los Angeles was held into their own territory before New York gained possession. In addition, it was another drive with signs of progress from New York. Until Billy Turner; who was a liability all night at right tackle, allowed Joey Bosa to strip the ball from Zach Wilson and allow Los Angeles to recover.
Following the fumble, the Chargers offense operated expeditiously and allowed Austin Ekeler to score on a one-yard touchdown run. Trailing 14-0, the Jets finally managed to put points on the board with a 47-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein. Los Angeles retaliated with a field goal of their own two drives later. Los Angeles led 17-3 at the half.
Bryce Huff & Jermaine Johnson get the sack on Justin Herbert 💪🏾💪🏾#Jets | #TakeFlight
pic.twitter.com/LAjZPZ40Js— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) November 7, 2023
The offense can’t carry over second-half spark
Uncharacteristically, New York came out in the second half with urgency on offense. Zach Wilson found Garrett Wilson for a huge 31-yard pass and got the offense rolling. The Jets took the ball to the Chargers 11. Wilson was electric going 4-4 for 60 yards on the drive. Then two sacks pushed New York back 17 yards. Fortunately, Greg Zuerlein converted his second field goal of the game. The Chargers now led 17-6.
Greg Zuerlein keeping the #Jets in the game by himself. pic.twitter.com/jMf0Bw3g9T
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) November 7, 2023
Following the field goal, New York failed to score any points for the remainder of the game. They wore out the Jets’ defense at this point and continued to take time off the clock. Despite being held scoreless through the third quarter, Los Angeles got another field goal from Cameron Dicker. It was now 20-6 Los Angeles. With the ball on the 50-yard line, Khalil Mack once again dominated his match-up with Billy Turner, which allowed a sack and fumble by LA to recover the ball on a Zach Wilson fumble. Once they returned it to the Jets’ 2-yard line, Austin Ekeler recorded his second touchdown of the game. 27-6 Los Angeles and the final score of the ball game.
On to the next one
The New York Jets now sit at 4-4 and have their second Sunday Night Football game of the season. In Another AFC West matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. A win will do wonders for their playoff hopes before facing the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins in back-to-back weeks. The offense needs to get the offensive line healthy if they want a shot in this game. Every win is valuable, especially with continued speculation of Aaron Rodgers’ potential return in December.
Main Photo: [Brad Penner] – USA Today Sports
