Tag: Le’Veon Bell

Instant Analysis: Jets beat up Raiders for third win in a row

The Raiders were no match for Gang Green on Sunday.

Wins against Big Blue and Washington were nothing special. Beating a flawed but competitive Oakland team, though? Well, that’s a bit more impressive.

The Jets manhandled the playoff-hopeful Raiders on Sunday, 34-3, at MetLife Stadium. New York, once 1-7, cruised to its third straight win.

Odds are this winning streak is too little, too late for Gang Green, but the organization’s decision-makers and fans should be encouraged by the way the team is clicking. Sam Darnold has looked every bit the part of franchise quarterback lately after a disastrous midseason slump, young players are seizing opportunities created by injuries and the coaching staff — the one everyone wanted to fire a few weeks ago — has made massive strides.

Now, New York will prepare for the lowly Bengals and try to make it four in a row next week.

Game Balls:

  • RB Le’Veon Bell: The Jets running back lived up to his dual-threat reputation, totaling 108 yards on 12 carries and five receptions. The Jets once again used other rushers to spell him in the backfield. They also lined Bell up as a receiver a few times, creating confusion for Oakland’s defense.
  • QB Sam Darnold: All is well with Sam Darnold again. The Jets gunslinger made a handful of highlight-reel plays while going 20-29 with 315 yards and two touchdowns through the air, as well as a score on the ground. He’s 58-89 with 838 yards, seven passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and one interception over his last three games.

Quick Thoughts:

  • Despite a bevy of injuries leading up to and during the game, the Jets offensive line delivered another strong performance against Oakland. Darnold was only sacked once and had plenty of time to throw despite some scampering, while Bell found success on the ground for the second week in a row. The makeshift line’s biggest mistake was a holding penalty by Alex Lewis, which negated a big gain from Ty Montgomery.
  • The Jets should line Bell up as a wide receiver more often. Good things tend to happen when he’s thrown the ball, as seen on New York’s first play of the game.

  • The Jets’ first touchdown of the game, Darnold’s second rushing score of the season, was set up nicely by a pretty awful roughing the passer call. Nothing egregious here, but the Jets were given a gift by the refs nonetheless.
  • Bless Austin can ball. The bar was low, be he’s been the Jets‘ best outside corner this season. He hits hard whenever he comes in for a tackle; he had five and a pass breakup on Sunday. Mike Maccagnan may have actually gotten a late-round pick right.
  • One day after signing an extension, Ryan Griffin caught another touchdown pass from Darnold. He now has five on the season. Not bad for a guy who was supposed to be a fill-in for Chris Herndon. With Griffin and Herndon, as well as Trevon Wesco, the Jets look to have their tight end depth chart set for next year.
  • Week 12 was another impressive one for the Jets defense. The Raiders are not worldbeaters, but they’re better than Washington, and Gang Green held it’s own against improved competition despite a decimated lineup. The Jets even forced Derek Carr to the bench. Give props to Gregg Williams for that. The defensive coordinator has done an excellent job developing previous no-names like Austin, Arthur Maulet, Tarrell Basham, Kyle Phillips and more. It would be understandable if this injured Jets defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed, but the unit is holding its own under Williams.
  • Also deserving of credit is Adam Gase. The Jets head coach has drawn plenty of criticism in his first year on the job, but Gase’s offense has soared in recent weeks. A lot of that has to do with his improved game-planning and play-calling, which was on full display in Week 12.
  • Record Watch: Jamal Adams added a half-sack on Sunday. He now has 6.5 this season. The most ever by a defensive back in a single season is eight.