Jets' Offensive Problems Persist in One Particular Category

It's a been a continual struggle for Gang Green to move the chains on third down

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Oct 30, 2023 2:04 PM EDT

In this story:

Prior to the improbable come-from-behind victory over the New York Giants, New York Jets' offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett spoke about his unit's struggles on third down.

"We sucked on third down," said Hackett while reflecting on the offense's performance through the six games leading into the bye week.

When expressing the need to improve coming out of the bye, Hackett likely wasn't envisioning the 2-for-15 performance that the Jets posted in a 13-10 overtime victory on October 29 at MetLife Stadium.

Entering the Week 8 matchup with the Giants, the Jets ranked last amongst all NFL teams in third down conversion percentage (25.0) and that number dipped further as a result of their latest effort.

"It’s not good. Not even going to sugarcoat it. Lack of execution," said head coach Robert Saleh after the team recorded only two third down conversions.

Winning in spite of 13 unsuccessful third down opportunities, the Green & White dropped down to 22.99 percent in conversion rate for the season. No other NFL team is currently under the 30 percent mark.

The Jets did not move the chains on third down against the Giants until 2:27 remaining in the fourth quarter when Zach Wilson scrambled for 17 yards to convert a 3rd-and-11. The Giants sacked Wilson twice and forced the quarterback into eight incompletions on third down.

The other third down conversion came courtesy of receiver Garrett Wilson during the game-winning drive in overtime. The receiver converted a 3rd-and-10 from the Jets' 39-yard line by making an 11-yard catch while being interfered with.

"It’s situations exactly like the one we just went through as to why you have to remain confident. All it takes is a play," said Wilson, who earned his fourth win as a starting quarterback this season.

Oddly enough, the Jets have been especially inept on third down throughout their three-game win streak. The offense has converted seven total third downs in 38 tries over the past three games (18.4 percent).

In terms of rooting out the problem, Saleh suggested it needs to come as a result of a collective effort.

"It’s everybody taking turns at not being very good at football on third down and we’ve just got to figure it out," said Saleh.