WATCH: Adam Gase discusses Jets' frustrating Week 1 loss vs. Bills
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --The New York Jets fell to the division rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday in heartbreaking fashion by a score of 17-16. Despite the aid of five defensive turnovers, the Jets' offense was seemingly stuck in neutral most of the afternoon, failing to capitalize on ample opportunities throughout the contest.
To make matters worse, the Jets were without two key defensive contributors in the crucial stages of Sunday's loss. Standout linebacker C.J. Mosley exited the game late in the third quarter with a groin injury, and rookie DT Quinnen Williams sustained an ankle injury in the fourth quarter. Jets head coach Adam Gase declined to comment of the severity of the injuries in his postgame press conference.
Here is a sampling of what Gase had to say in his postgame press conference:
Gase: "We were inept on offense."
Analysis: The main takeaway from today's game, Gase failed to get creative with his offensive play calls, despite being put in prime field position on several occasions. Second-year signal-caller Sam Darnold operated what was mostly a compressed offense, relying on short check-downs to move the chains. For perspective, free agent addition Jamison Crowder received 17 targets -- but only averaged seven yards per reception. While stagnant offensive line play was largely to blame for the offense's ineffectiveness, they'll need to iron out those deficiencies in a hurry with the Cleveland Browns coming to town on Monday night.
Gase on what he can do to help the placekicker: "We just have to get better. We have to make extra points. We have to make field goals. We can't be losing points in those areas of the field."
Analysis: To put it mildly, Kaare Vedvik struggled in his Jets debut, leaving what was ultimately a game-altering four points on the field. Given the Jets' recent history with kickers, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see them go in a different direction at the position. I expect the team to bring in a few veteran kickers for a workout early this week.
Gase on if he was disappointed in the play of his offensive line: "No. It wasn't every play. To me, right now, everything is magnified. When you see things after a series is over, you can point out one or two plays where you say, 'Wow. That could have really been a game-changing type play.'"
Analysis: The Jets' offensive line, particularly Kelvin Beachum and Brian Winters, struggled against the formidable Bills' defense -- and a few of those plays changed the momentum of the game. The stingy Buffalo defense accounted for four sacks on the afternoon. While Gase isn't ready to press the panic button just yet, his offensive line will face a much tougher test next week.
Gase on the play of Sam Darnold: "We have room for improvement."
Analysis: The 22-year-old finished the game 28-of-41 for 175 yards( 4.3 YPC). Though the Jets' offensive line often struggled at the point of attack on Sunday, forcing check-downs to Bell and Crowder, there were still plenty of plays to be made down the field. A prime example would be his end zone heave to Robby Anderson in the first half. Had the duo connected, it would have likely put the Bills in an insurmountable hole, but the pass hung up in the air and ultimately fell incomplete. He'll need to take some shots down the field next week against the juggernaut Browns offense.
