We've seen it so many times before and we saw it again on Monday Night when in a typical Jets fashion the Gang Green self-destructed and most likely flushed their entire season down the drain.
The Jets' defense stopped the Falcons on their first drive only to see QB Vinny Testaverde fumble the snap just two plays later and give the ball back to Vick and Co. This time the Falcons' offense needed only 20 yards to score, which they did seven plays later, as the score became 7-0. One fumble, however, just wasn't enough. Less than three minutes later two Atlanta players easily penetrated the Jets' offensive line and sacked Testaverde, causing another fumble. Testaverde, in his defense, did not even have time to look back and see the defenders coming after him. This time the Jets' defense held the Falcons to only three points, 10-0.
The teams exchanged empty possessions as the second quarter began. And then.... you guessed it! Testaverde was sacked again, fumbled the ball, only this time backup DE Chauncy Davis picked it up in stride and ran 24 yards for his first career touchdown, 17-0. Two minutes later Atlanta extended the lead to 20-0, as Peterson converted a 41-yard field goal attempt. That's when the Gang Green finally decided that it was time to start playing professional football. After CB Justin Miller's 95-yard kickoff return was ruined by a holding penalty, Testaverde led the team down the field and scored on a quarterback sneak, 20-7.
The Jets got the ball first in the second quarter only to punt from their own 9-yard line, giving the Falcons an excellent chance to extend the lead. The ensuing 13-play possession that lasted half the quarter resulted in another Michael Vick touchdown, 27-7. Later in the quarter Testaverde left the game with a right Achilles' injury, having gone 11-of-18 for 140 yards. He was replaced by QB Brooks Bollinger who, early in the fourth quarter, orchestrated another Jets' scoring drive, 27-14.
The game once again showed that you just can't win games in this league without an at least decent offensive line. The Jets' front five gave up 4 sacks and was totally dominated at the line of scrimmage - only 37 rushing yards. Atlanta, on the other hand, accumulated 194 yards on the ground, which included a 65-yard run by RB Warrick Dunn.
RB Curtis Martin had another awful game - just 28 yards on 14 carries and 1 touchdown. WR Laveranues Coles led the receivers with 9 grabs for 96 yards. P Ben Graham averaged 46.6 yards per punt and was one of the few bright spots on this pathetic Jets team.
LB Jonathan Vilma led the team with 7 tackles and also recorded an interception. DE John Abraham had 1.5 sacks and 5 tackles (3 solo). CB David Barrett and CB Ty Law also had interceptions.
LB Eric Barton became the latest casualty for the Jets. He tore his left triceps and is done for the year.
The New York Jets are 2-5 and in the last place in the AFC East. They are off this week and will face the San Diego Chargers (3-4) on November 6th.