Loss in Miami: Three Takeaways from the Jets in Week 9
It is tough to find the silver lining from any New York Jets game this year, but positives did emerge from Sunday’s 26-18 loss at the Miami Dolphins.
The once winless Miami Dolphins, it should be noted. That’s how bad the Jets were in this game that a team that was supposed to be the worst in the league absolutely embarrassed New York.
There are few positives from the Jets loss in Miami, which made both teams 1-7. But there were some key indicators in the game that bode well for the rest of the season and perhaps more importantly, for 2020.
And let’s be clear about it: 2020 is now the focus of this team moving forward. This season is officially over.
Three key takeaways from the Jets in Week 9:
Darnold continues to baffle – It wasn’t a perfect game from the second-year quarterback, who had that terrible interception right before halftime that really was a microcosm of the game (and the season) for the Jets. But there was plenty of questionable moments from Darnold in the loss.
But while Darnold had some struggles, he wasn't as bad as he was two weeks ago in a 33-0 loss at the Miami Dolphins. He was 27-for-39 for 260 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Even under pressure, he was hit nine times, Darnold hung in the pocket well. He continued to bounce back.
He must work on his progressions and accuracy but the pieces are clearly there.
There were no ghosts in this game for Darnold who continues to be brave and strong behind an offensive line that isn’t up to the standard.
Ficken bounces back – After missing a kick earlier in the game, Sam Ficken bounced back from that miss with a 52-yard field goal before halftime. That’s a career-long for Ficken.
Given the uncertainty at kicker for the Jets since training camp, Ficken’s growth is impressive. Especially to nail a kick from distance following a miss, and to do so on the road, is impressive.
On the afternoon, Ficken was 3-for-4 and made his one point after attempt.
It’s tank season – Any thoughts of this being a competitive team this year evaporated with this loss. Coming into this game, the Dolphins were supposed to be the worst team in the NFL.
Not only did the Jets manage to lose to Miami, they looked like the far more inept team. Penalties, dropped passes, poor blocking, poor tackling and just about every possible miscue all lined up to show that this team has no hope in 2019.
And may be hopeless even beyond that, such is the level that this rebuild will require.
