The Jets lost one that they should have had.
That is the feeling amongst fans as the New York Jets lost their recent matchup to the Las Vegas Raiders at a final score of 12-16. In a game in which the Jets were favored to win, they drop to a seemingly hot Vegas squad.
This game was expected to be low scoring, as both of these teams have had run-heavy offenses and stiff defenses throughout this season so far. The game was a very competitive one, but crucial mistakes ended up costing the Jets in the final minutes of play, ultimately blowing their chance of securing the win.
The game started out more or less as a field goal competition, with the Jets and Raiders trading field goals as both were unable to overcome the other team’s defense and get to the endzone. The Jets had a play early in the second quarter where they believed that their quarterback Zach Wilson scrambled and made a touchdown.
However, upon further review it was determined that Wilson stepped out, which prompted another endzone run, this time by running back Breece Hall. This play would also be called back and the Jets would settle for a field goal. Unbeknownst at the time, this is the closest that the Jets would come to a touchdown for the game, as every following drive resulted in either a punt, a field goal, or a turnover.
Despite their missed opportunities, the Jets were able to keep the game close down the stretch, despite Raiders Tight End Michael Mayer scoring a touchdown early in the 4th quarter. New York made a few key stops resulting in them being able to make an effort to win the game in the final minutes.
However, late in the fourth quarter Zach Wilson would make a throw to wide receiver Allen Lazard which would be intercepted with only one minute and fourteen seconds left to play. The Jets would end up getting a stop however leaving them with possession of the ball with a minute to go.
The Jets proceeded to get a few quick pass completions to go their way and they ended up with a 1st down with 13 seconds to go.
There would have been a couple seconds more of time for the Jets but head coach Robert Saleh did not get his timeout call as quickly as he wanted to, which shaved precious seconds off the game clock for the Jets.
The Jets would take one more deep shot at the end of the game. The hail mary throw to wide receiver Garrett Wilson who dropped the ball, ultimately sealing the Jets’ fate.
The Jets have now fallen below a .500 record. This loss is discouraging for Jets fans as they will need all the help they can get for a playoff push which is still very much in doubt. The Jets will look to right their wrongs next Sunday as they take on their division rivals, the Buffalo Bills.