On Sunday, the New York Jets didn't just look like a team that didn't practice during the offseason in their 27-17 Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills — they looked like a team that was learning the sport of football on the fly.
Sam Darnold was uncomfortable and inaccurate, finishing 21-of-35 for 215 yards, with one touchdown and one inexcusable interception. The defense couldn't get a big stop, and the team committed nine penalties for 95 yards. Outside of garbage time, the Jets were substantially outplayed in every facet of the game and looked generally unprepared for the season opener.
Considering the pressure on Darnold to develop in year three and head coach Adam Gase's supposed reputation as an offensive guru and quarterback whisperer, the offensive problems are of paramount concern. The Jets were out-gained by Josh Allen and the Bills, 404 yards to 254. And besides one Jamison Crowder catch-and-run, they never found anything resembling a groove on offense.
In 17 games as Jets head coach, Gase has yet to implement a single creative or inventive game plan, and that trend continued Sunday. Yet, characteristically, Gase shifted much of the blame for his objectively unsuccessful play-calling onto Darnold.
Gase says, based on Buffalo defenses, there are no calls he regrets. #jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 14, 2020
“We were not making plays we had the opportunities to make,” Gase said Monday.
Gase did admit to hindering his quarterback's ability to find a “rhythm” early in the game, but Darnold largely held himself accountable for the team's performance in his post-game comments.
Darnold says, "I need to be better with my footwork." Give him credit; he shows accountability. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 14, 2020
Gase and the Jets will have a chance to turn their fortunes around next Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers (0-1). New York will likely be without RB Le'Veon Bell, who was pulled from Sunday's game after injuring his hamstring and could miss a few weeks.
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