Jets fans expected this team to go through some growing pains, not many, however, expected this to be so painful. The Jets suffered the worst loss in nearly 30 years and one of the worst losses in their history, as they got completely dominated by the Jacksonville Jaguars, 41-0.
The Gang Green had a chance in this game for maybe three minutes, right until QB Chad Pennington’s pass was intercepted on the opening possession of the first quarter. It took Jacksonville just four plays to move the ball 45 yards down the field and take a 7-0 lead. Following such a shocking start, the Jets quickly went three and out on their second possession. The Jaguars, meanwhile, once again quickly moved the ball down the field and extended their lead to 14-0.
As the second quarter began, the situation became only worse for the Gang Green. P Ben Graham’s punt was blocked inside the Jets’ 10-yard line and three plays later the Jags were up by three touchdowns, 21-0. If Jets fans still had any hopes after that touchdown, especially remembering how the Jets had managed to get back in the game against the Patriots, these hopes instantly evaporated when one minute later Pennington was picked off for the second time. Jacksonville methodically gained three first downs and extended their lead to 28-0.
Chad Pennington got the ball back five minutes into the third quarter only to throw yet another interception and put Jacksonville back in the scoring range. Two minutes later the Jags scored another touchdown, making the score an embarrassing 38-0 (they had scored a field goal earlier).
In the final quarter the Gang Green hopelessly tried to escape the shutout, but failed to convert two fourth downs, including one from the 1-yard line.
QB Chad Pennington finished the game only 10 of 17 for 71 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT. He was also sacked 4 times. QB Kellen Clemens replaced Pennington late in the fourth quarter and failed to complete a single pass, getting sacked twice in meantime. RB Leon Washington broke the 100-yard rushing mark for the first time in his short NFL career. Leon gained 101 yards on 23 carries. WR Jerricho Cotchery led the team with 4 catches for 49 yards. WR Laveranues Coles had just 3 receptions for 19 yards and expressed his frustration with the coaching decision to sit him on the bench for the entire second quarter and most of the second half.
DE/LB Bryan Thomas led the defense with 8 tackles (8 solo). LB Eric Barton had 6 tackles (5 solo) and the only Jets’ sack of the game, for which he received a very questionable roughing the passer penalty.
Next Sunday the Jets will host their division rivals, the Miami Dolphins. The kickoff time is at 4:15 PM EST.