Rex Ryan has a host of problems to answer for in the upcoming weeks. Sunday, the Jets looked very outmatched and never really looked like they stood a chance against the San Diego Chargers. The Jets were shut out 31-0, as they suffered their worst defeat of the year. They have not been shut out since they lost 34-0 to the San Francisco 49ers back on September 30th, 2012.
A pathetic showing for the Jets offense was what we saw on Sunday. Besides not scoring a point, the Jets were held to just 151 yards total. We talked about how strong of a rushing attack the Jets have in Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson, but they only combined for 68 yards rushing. Geno Smith was equally if not more disappointing. He completed just 4 passes out of 12 for 27 yards. He also kept his streak alive, by throwing an interception in every game of the season thus far. Mike Vick took over duties in the 2nd half but fared no better. He finished with just 47 yards (8 completions out of 19) but did not throw an interception.
The Chargers rushing attack was lacking so far this year, however they got a huge boost from their rookie running back Branden Oliver. He accounted for 114 yards on 19 rushes, including a touchdown. The Jets gave up the most rushing yards to the Chargers (162 yards) than they had all year. The secondary was just as bad as they let Philip Rivers hit 5 different receivers (8 total) for multiple receptions. He finished with 288 yards on 20 for 28 completions. His lone mistake was throwing an interception, although didn’t lead to points for the Jets. It was a throwback game for Antonio Gates who looked great out there. He added 2 touchdown receptions and 60 yards on 4 receptions.
There really is no way around it. The Jets just aren’t what we thought they would be this season. They have not played well since winning their opening game against Oakland. They blew a large lead against the Packers, and shot themselves in the foot with turnovers against the Bears and Lions, and got blown out in San Diego. Now they face possibly their strongest test coming up at MetLife when Peyton Manning and the defending AFC Champion Broncos come into town on Sunday. The Jets had no answer for any of the Chargers receivers last Sunday, and it doesn’t get any easier. Denver knocked off the previously undefeated Arizona Cardinals (without Carson Palmer), and are looking to continue playing winning football. With Geno Smith still holding onto the starting position, and no solution for the Jets terrible secondary, the future does not look bright for Gang Green.
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