Same old Jets (fans).
Sam Darnold and the Jets turned in a sloppy effort (to say the least) in a 27-17 loss to Buffalo in Week 1, leaving fans with a bitter taste after endless optimism this offseason.
The third-year quarterback had a forgettable day, throwing for just 215 yards and a touchdown — and producing another career lowlight, a poor interception thrown into double coverage.
Sam Darnold is not having a good day. 22 total passing yards in the first half and this ugly interception.pic.twitter.com/3EFtVws16x
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) September 13, 2020
MORE: Le'Veon Bell leaves Bills game with hamstring injury
It's difficult to make excuses for a third-year quarterback in a league where qurterbacks thrive, but it's important to note a few things about the situation Darnold is facing:
- His offensive line has four new starters;
- He's without second-round wide receiver Denzel Mims;
- His supporting skill position cast is below average;
- Buffalo is a top-quality defensive unit;
- He's dealing with Adam Gase.
While the next 15 games will determine more about Darnold's long-term future than a bad Week 1 performance, it likely won't take that long for Jets front office folk to determine Gase's fate. That last point is particularly important to note, considering some feel Gase has done a minimal amount to earn a second shot at a head-coaching gig in the league after a tumultuous tenure with the Dolphins. Last year, the Jets finished 7-9 and featured one of the worst offensive units in all of football.
Mastermind of offense, Adam Gase pic.twitter.com/Dp1kWvOfrN
— Carl de Leon (@deleoncarl) September 13, 2020
The Gase hire was met with criticism from all sides, and the former Dolphins coach hasn't done a whole lot to instill faith in Gang Green faithful. The Week 1 outing vs. Buffalo woke the fan base again with all sorts of criticisms:
If you ever look at a job description and think "oh, I'm not qualified," please remember that Adam Gase continues to coach the New York Jets every day.
— Andrew Goldstein (@AndyGold24) September 13, 2020
Send that application. Chase your dreams.
Adam Gase after we all said the Jets offense can't be any worse this season pic.twitter.com/zmnKAwzlZm
— Billy McInerney (@wmcine) September 13, 2020
Just remembered how awful Adam Gase’s playcalling is.
— Evan Roberts (@EvanRobertsWFAN) September 13, 2020
We ready to admit Adam Gase was just a guy who had a job while Peyton Manning did his thing for the Broncos or what?
— Allan Bell (@AllanBell247) September 13, 2020
Shout out to Adam Gase, who thought running Frank Gore, down two scores with 10 minutes left, was gonna get the job done.
— Jeremy White (@JeremyWGR) September 13, 2020
In any case, with a difficult schedule and injuries starting to mount, the Jets could be looking at draft prospects before playoff positioning this season.
It doesn't get any easier for New York in Week 2, as the 49ers head to MetLife Stadium.
