Instant Analysis: Jets start strong, but falter in loss to Bills

Close, but no cigar for the Jets on Sunday afternoon.

Close, but no cigar for the Jets on Sunday afternoon.

New York had its first win of 2020 in its sights, taking a lead into halftime against the Bills and hanging around for the duration of the afternoon. Its efforts were for naught, though, as Buffalo did just enough to snap its two-game losing streak and etch out an 18-10 win over the Jets.

The Jets played energized football in what was easily their best performance of the season. It took seven weeks for things to sort of come together and New York did not break into the win column, but at least its Week 7 showing was not embarrassing. That’s all Jets fans could ask for at this point in the season.

Game Balls

Tarell Basham: Basham’s strip-sack of Josh Allen in the first half stifled a Bills drive that otherwise would have resulted in points. He’s been solid for the Jets rushing off the edge so far this season.

La’Mical Perine: Perine showed what he could do with an increased workload, rushing for 39 yards and a touchdown to go along with two catches for 16 yards.

Quinnen Williams: Williams was disruptive against Buffalo, registering four tackles, three quarterback hits, one TFL and a sack. The second-year pro was a frequent visitor to the Bills’ backfield and flushed Allen out of the pocket with regularity.

Quick Thoughts

-It didn’t result in a win, but the Jets played with more energy against the Bills on Sunday than they had the previous six weeks combined. Buffalo has been struggling and New York smelled an opportunity. Kudos to Gang Green for being ready to battle in Week 7.

-The tide turned when Buffalo got points at the end of the first half and Andre Roberts returned the second-half kickoff into Jets territory. That was all the momentum the Bills needed to get the ball rolling.

-It’s no wonder the Jets moved the ball and got points on their first drive without Adam Gase calling plays. Dowell Loggains is no offensive savant, but even he can get New York’s offense going in the right direction.

-Credit Loggains for getting Perine more involved. As long as Loggains remains calling plays, expect the rookie’s workload to steadily increase.

-Loggains also did a nice job utilizing Frank Gore. Both of New York’s running backs saw their fair share of carries, but Gore was not run into the ground as he has been with Gase calling the plays. He was afforded ample rest between runs and beat Buffalo’s defense for a couple of chunk runs as a result.

-With all of that being said, the Jets’ offensive performance still left a lot to be desired — especially on third down. New York went stagnant in the second half and it cost them the game.

-All things considered, the Jets did a pretty good job of containing Josh Allen. He torched New York in Week 1, but that was not the case on Sunday. He had to work for every yard, though he still managed nearly 400 total.

-All it took was one game for Denzel Mims to show why the Jets were excited when he fell to them in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He contributed both as a receiver and a blocker, springing Perine’s touchdown run with a seal on the edge.

-Sunday was the best the Jets have played in a long time. However, if that is indeed New York’s best effort, it’s tough to see a win coming anytime soon. Yes, the Jets hung around against the Bills, but Buffalo also played down to its competition. Gase and company are going to have to take things up a notch to come out on the winning end.