“Beware of enthusiasm and of love, both are temporary and quick to sway”-Thompson, Hunter S.
This quote by Hunter S. Thompson stems from his most accomplished work, ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas‘ written in 1971. It’s meant to have the reader truly reflect on every positive experience they have because they are often few and far between. Few phrases better describe the New York Jets season right now. Despite weathering the storm to go 4-3 after defeating the Giants, the New York Jets have now lost their last two games. They followed up their loss to the Chargers by losing to the Raiders 16-12 on Sunday night. A generational defense once again held back by an ineffective offense. With over half the season completed time is running out to course correct. With back-to-back division games vs. Buffalo and Miami, the Jets are running out of time to save their season.
Fear and Losing in Las Vegas: New York Jets Lose to Raiders
New York went into this game needing to course correct after their three-game winning streak ended against the Chargers. The loss to the Chargers was the first Jets loss since losing to Kansas City in Taylor Swift’s Sunday Night Football debut. New York expected an easier match-up against first-time head coach Antonio Pierce. Pierce was named interim coach in Las Vegas after Josh McDaniels was fired. The Raiders beat the Giants 30-6 last week in Pierce’s first NFL win.
Greg Zuerlein: The most consistent player on Offense
The talented Jets’ defense executed their game plan, forcing the Raiders to punt on the opening drive. The defensive line quickly rattled rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell. Once they punted, the New York offense finally showed signs of life. Zach Wilson found Garrett Wilson on a deep pass for a 41-yard gain. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t find the end zone after an offensive holding halted the drive. A 47-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein would score the first points of the game. Las Vegas followed by a field goal drive of their own, alas New York followed in kind. A 53-yard field goal gave the Jets the 6-3 lead.
Momentum was on New York’s side after Jordan Whitehead snagged an Aidan O’Connell pass to Davante Adams for his fourth interception of the year. Another strong drive from the offense allowed them to get into Raider territory, but the team unfortunately settled for another field goal. New York had two touchdowns (a 23-yard touchdown run by Zach Wilson and a Breece Hall touchdown run) both overturned. Zach Wilson’s foot was out of bounds before reaching the pile-on. CJ Uzomah’s holding penalty prevented the Breece Hall touchdown. This proved costly as New York failed to score for the rest of the first half, but led 9-6 at halftime.
Zach Wilson with a big run but he steps out just before he hits pay-dirt pic.twitter.com/pRDNdIpmHp
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) November 13, 2023
More offensive blunders
Despite holding the lead heading into the second half, hope began to fade. A costly chop block penalty on Michael Carter on third-and-8 wiped away a first-down catch to Xavier Gipson. The Raiders managed to tie the game two drives later with a field goal. Pinned at their 14-yard line, Zach Wilson and the offense failed to execute after an incompletion to Malik Taylor. The Raiders regained possession to quickly take advantage after a 40-yard run by Josh Jacobs brought Las Vegas deep into New York Territory. Three plays later, Aidan O’Connell found Michael Mayer for the touchdown on a 7-yard pass. Las Vegas now led 16-9. Fortunately, New York wasn’t going down swinging. Zach Wilson had back-to-back big plays to Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson for 47 total yards. The Jets secured a 45-yard field goal and now trailed 16-12.
This no look throw by Zach Wilson is absolutely amazing man pic.twitter.com/kBRpXR2xqA
— J. Gray (@JGrayJets) November 13, 2023
Too Little, Too Late
The Raiders attempted to close out the game after converting twice on third down. But with the ball on the New York 29, Jamien Sherwood hit Josh Jacobs to knock the ball loose. Allowing Ashtyn David to recover the fumble for the Jets’ possession. Zach Wilson showed why he was a second-overall pick, finding Allen Lazard on the first pass for 17 yards. He found Garrett Wilson on third and two to keep the drive alive at the Raider 28-yard line. Painfully, Robert Spillane broke up a pass intended for Allen Lazard for the interception. This was Zach Wilson’s first pick in over 150 pass attempts.
ZACH WILSON WITH AN INSANE THROW ROLLING LEFT ON THE RUN.
SO SO CLOSE TO HAVING A MIRACLE…. pic.twitter.com/YQVqm8h5l3
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 13, 2023
A three-and-out by the defense gave the team one last drive to win the game. It started strong with back-to-back completions to Tyler Conklin for 36 yards. New York had the ball at the Raiders 44-yard line. Both of Zach Wilson’s passes to the end zone were no good as time expired. For Las Vegas, tonight cemented the belief the roster has in Antonio Pierce by winning his first two games as a head coach. As for the Jets, a string of losses stings greater after another incredible defensive outing is usurped by another touchdown-less game on offense.
Main Photo: [Gary A. Vasquez] – USA Today Sports
