Jets couldn’t find a way to stop back-breaking big plays
The Jets defense was exposed by the Patriots again on Sunday in the team’s 27-13 loss.
New England rolled to 498 total yards and 215 rushing against the vaunted Jets defense. New England killed the Jets with long plays, notching nine plays of more than 20 yards.
“A lot of times it is the same issues just reoccurring,” defensive end Leonard Williams said. “I think it’s just an execution problem at this point. We’ll have the right play in, we’ll have the right defense in, we’ll have the right guys in and everybody is playing with a lot of energy, a high motor and then we just don’t execute the play properly, the way we’re supposed to. It’s something that’s been our Achilles heel all season.
“If we can’t execute the defense or make the big plays like we need to, great teams like the Patriots are going to beat us. It’s up to us to change that.”
The Jets have been unable to change that this season. This was the fifth game a Jets opponent gained at least 400 yards and the second consecutive week an opponent gained at least 200 yards rushing.
“Some people trying to do too much and [are] over-jumping their gaps,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said of all the big plays the Jets gave up.
When the Jets needed a stop most, after tying the game 13-13 in the third quarter, the Jets rolled over and allowed a four-play, 75-yard touchdown drive by the Patriots.
The Jets defense likes to consider itself one of the league’s best. But it is hard to make that argument this season.
“I think we are a legit defense,” Williams said. “I think we need to step it up in certain areas that gives up those big plays like that. We’ll be getting three-and-out, getting three-and-out and then we’ll give up one big play and then the stats look a little twisted.”
Spencer Long moved from center to left guard for Sunday’s game with usual starter James Carpenter sidelined with a shoulder injury. Long, who has struggled with his shotgun snaps this season partly because of a finger injury, threw some nice blocks at guard.
“I’ve got to clean some things up, but overall I think it was a pretty smooth transition,” Long said. “I haven’t played [guard] in 2 ½ years and only had a couple of days of practice under my belt. It felt good to just get back out there. I’ve had a rough few weeks there. I just wanted to help this team. I wanted to do it in any way I possibly could.”
Jonotthan Harrison started at center.
WR Robby Anderson returned after missing the game with the Bills because of a sprained ankle. He had two catches for 22 yards.
“I’m thankful,” Anderson said. “Having to deal with that injury, it gave me a chance to kind of get my mind in a better place. It made me appreciate things a little bit more. I was going through frustrations and getting mad about things I can’t control. It gave me a chance to sit back and reevaluate things.”
The Jets moved CB Darryl Roberts to safety to start in place of the injured Marcus Maye (shoulder). Bowles said they wanted someone athletic out there against the Patriots. … K Jason Myers kicked a 55-yard field goal just before halftime. He became the first kicker in NFL history to make five field goals of 55 yards or more in a season. … WR Jermaine Kearse scored his first touchdown of the season.
