Jets’ Home Loss to Bills Signals Continued Struggles Despite Coaching Change
Monday night’s disappointing home defeat against the Buffalo Bills had all the hallmarks of the 2024 New York Jets, even with a new head coach at the helm.
On the surface, a coaching shakeup and a revamped offensive strategy seemed poised to invigorate a team on the edge, still just a game away from the top of the AFC East.
However, once the Jets stepped onto the field at MetLife Stadium, familiar issues resurfaced. While there were some bright spots, the persistent inconsistency and an avalanche of penalties doomed them to a 23-20 loss, which ESPN analyst Troy Aikman suggested could signify the end of the Jets’ season.
“I could see this completely falling apart,” Aikman remarked, encapsulating the frustration of Jets fans everywhere.
Wasting what quarterback Aaron Rodgers termed a “golden opportunity” in his first game under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, the Jets struggled in the red zone, converting just 1-for-4 and missing two critical field goals from 32 and 43 yards.
The officiating crew penalized the Jets a staggering 11 times for a total of 111 yards, compounding their troubles.
“In the NFL, some games are won and some games are lost,” Rodgers said. “This was a game where we turned the ball over…We had a lot of opportunities, we had momentum, we made good plays, we moved the ball up and down the field. It’s very disappointing.”
The Bills (4-2) capitalized on the Jets’ missteps, bouncing back from two consecutive losses to hand New York their third straight defeat. The game was effectively sealed when Taron Johnson made a diving interception of a deep Rodgers pass intended for Mike Williams in the final two minutes.
While it’s premature to declare the Bills as champions of the division, they remain the only team in the AFC East with a winning record, eyeing their fifth straight division title.
Rodgers, who rebounded from a tough outing against Minnesota in London, was solid, completing 23 of 35 passes for two touchdowns and a season-high 294 yards. Yet, it was another lost opportunity, raising both short- and long-term questions for the franchise.
New offensive coordinator Todd Downing managed to revive running back Breece Hall, leading the team to a total of 393 yards on offense. Owner Woody Johnson, who dismissed coach Robert Saleh on October 8, labeled this roster as the Jets’ best in a quarter-century. Yet, the glitz and glamour failed to translate into success on the field.
“Losing the game like they did with penalties and missed opportunities in the red zone, all those things, I think it’s going to be very tough for them,” Aikman noted. “They didn’t make it, and now they’re at the same point. What is the answer for them? They don’t have any.”
While Aikman’s comments may seem harsh, the Jets attempted to provide an answer in Ulbrich’s post-game address. His message of “stay the course” and “get better” may frustrate fans further, but it does hold some merit. Despite the turmoil that led to Saleh’s departure, New York has lost three straight games by a mere total of 10 points.
“We’re not out of this at all,” Ulbrich stated. “I know the character of that locker room. I know how we will respond. We need to start accumulating these weeks of exceptional preparation. I promise you they’ll start paying off on Sundays.”
There’s still ample time for the Jets to make improvements before their rematch against the Bills in Week 17. But the question remains: Have they already exhausted their rehearsed refrain?
