USA TODAY NFL Power Rankings: Jets gain ground despite blowout loss

The New York Jets are ranked 31st in USA Today’s latest NFL Power Rankings.

Despite getting blown out on the road in another uncompetitive game, the Jets gained a spot on the Giants.

USA TODAY released its NFL Power Rankings following the third week of games and the results for New York aren’t anything to write home about. It has the Jets ranked 31st — only the Giants are worse — after dropping a 36-7 contest to the Colts in Week 3.

The Jets had a better offensive gameplan, but the unit couldn’t overcome the play of Sam Darnold, who had another nightmarish outing. Darnold threw three backbreaking interceptions, including two pick-sixes and another in the end zone. On the other side of the ball, the Jets defense couldn’t pressure Philip Rivers, nor could they get off the field on third down. It was more of the same for both units in a horrific loss.

The Jets have now been outscored 94-37 through three games in the 2020 season. They’ve been largely uncompetitive and are the only team in the league to not hold a lead this season. New York now ranks 32nd in total yards, scoring, passing, first downs and red zone offense. That’s an indictment on the head coach, who is already on thin ice, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Now the Jets are vying for a win against the Broncos on a short week. The good news is they’ll likely get some reinforcements back, but all signs point to Adam Gase’s job being on the line Thursday.

30-30 Club: Adam Gase has as many double-digit losses as he does total wins

With Sunday’s 36-7 loss vs. the Colts, Jets head coach Adam Gase now has as many double-digit losses (30) as he does carer wins (30).

Adam Gase joined a unique 30-30 Club following Sunday’s loss to the Colts.

Another blowout, the Jets fell 36-7 in Week 3. With that, Gase now has as many career double-digit losses (30) as he does wins (30) between his time with the Jets and Dolphins.

The Jets were embarrassed again on Sunday. The offense actually looked better but was flatlined by Sam Darnold’s three interceptions. The defense couldn’t stop anybody, but ultimately the play of the team falls at the feet of the head coach.

Gase did not help his case for keeping his job. Before Sunday’s game, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that high-ranking Jets executives are keeping a close eye on Gase in Weeks 3 and 4. Even after Jets CEO Christopher Johnson gave Gase a vote of confidence following New York’s 27-17 Week 1 loss, there has been mounting pressure on Gase from fans and the media.

While the Jets have had injuries pile up, there have been few signs of life from those on the field. Through three games, Gang Green has averaged 12.3 points per game, while Darnold has yet to make the strides that were supposed to happen under Gase’s guidance.

Darnold’s regression was on full display Sunday. He went 17-29 for 168 yards while throwing three interceptions, two of them being returned for pick-sixes.

The Jets currently have four offensive touchdowns in three games to start 2020. They had one offensive touchdown in three games to start 2019 and that was with Darnold sidelined with a bout with mono.

As Gang Green begins its season 0-3 for the second consecutive season, Gase is now 7-12 as the Jets head coach and 30-38 for his career (including the playoffs).

All eyes will be on Gase’s job status in Week 4 as the Jets take on a shorthanded Denver team on Thursday Night Football.

Mekhi Becton out for remainder of game vs. Colts

Mekhi Becton is for the rest of the Jets’ game against the Colts with a shoulder injury.

The Jets don’t have a lot of things going for them in 2020, but Mekhi Becton was the one sure thing. He is now injured.

New York announced that Becton is out for the rest of Sunday’s game against the Colts with a shoulder injury. Connor McDermott is in at left tackle for the injured Becton.

The Jets now have both their backup tackles in the game with Chuma Edoga in for George Fant, who was ruled out before the game with a concussion.

Becton has been one of the few positives for the Jets this season. He’s been an absolute stud at left tackle in his first couple of games in the NFL. Becton has made highlight-reel pancakes and has done a solid job protecting Sam Darnold’s blindside.

Becton’s loss is huge for the Jets, even if it’s just the rest of this game. All the Jets can hope for is that it’s a minor shoulder injury and Becton won’t be out for too long.