If last week was a sign of improvement, this week put the Jets right where they were after the opening day fiasco against the Patriots – in a deep nosedive. The Gang Green looked absolutely helpless at times against the 0-3 Buffalo Bills and their rookie quarterback who was making his first NFL start. QB Chad Pennington was intercepted on the last-minute attempt to salvage the game, as the Jets lost 17-14.
Following a scoreless first half, the Bills took the game to the Jets on their first possession of the third quarter. While most teams try to pressure rookie quarterbacks as often as possible, the Jets were their usual selves, allowing Trent Edwards sit in the pocket and find his open receivers. It took the Bills ten plays to march down to the Jets’ goal line where they scored on a 10-yard touchdown run right through the middle. The Jets, however, instantly answered on the next drive. Pennington completed two 28-yard passes to WR Jerricho Cotchery and then connected with WR Laveranues Coles in the end zone, 7-7.
As the final quarter began, Buffalo converted a 46-yard field goal attempt and retook the lead, 10-7. On the ensuing drive, Pennington, who had underthrown passes all game long, threw a short one to Coles that was intercepted inside the Jets’ territory. The interception set up another Bills’ touchdown and Buffalo took a commanding 17-7 lead. The Gang Green answered in just four minutes when RB Leon Washington scored on an 8-yard run. With three minutes to go in the quarter, the defense finally stepped up forcing Buffalo to punt after just three offensive plays. Pennington and Co. took over on their 26-yard line with 1:43 remaining but short dink and donk passes just weren’t going to do it this afternoon. With just 11 seconds left and no timeouts Pennington threw another short pass to Coles that was picked off.
The Jets, going into the game as favorites, failed to take advantage of the depleted Bills’ defense that was missing all their starting linebackers. The Gang Green also apparently underestimated first-time starter, QB Trent Edwards, who completed 22 of 28 passes for 234 yards. Once again the Jets failed to apply considerable pressure and paid the price – even against a rookie starter. PK Mike Nugent missed a field goal attempt on the final play of the second quarter – three points that turned out to be the game difference.
QB Chad Pennington completed career high 32 of 39 passes for 290 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT. He moved ahead of Vinny Testaverde into fourth place on the Jets' all-time passing list. RB Thomas Jones was disappointing as the Gang Green never got the running game going and that’s against one of the worst defenses in the league. Jones gained only 35 yards on 12 carries. WR Jerricho Cotchery had another solid game – 8 receptions for 106 yards. WR Laveranues Coles scored his 4th touchdown of the season.
The defense played poorly despite producing more sacks (two) than in all previous games of the season. LB Jonathan Vilma made the team-high 8 tackles (7 solo). Rookie CB Darrelle Revis also had 8 tackles (6 solo) and 2 pass defenses. LB Victor Hobson and DE Shaun Ellis registered one sack apiece. CB Andre Dyson had an interception in the first half.
The Jets (1-3) are back to the drawing board, preparing for the game against their cross-town rivals – the New York Giants. The battle of New York will begin next Sunday at 1PM EST.