Big Plays and Big Games from Crowell & Anderson
Coming off of a three game losing streak the New York Jets hosted the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Few things were constant during that losing streak and that was the Jets inability to put points on the board. failing to score above twenty points in three straight games, and not trusting their quarterback to throw the ball downfield. However week five was a different story. Despite only completing 10-of-22 passes for 198 yards Sam Darnold was still able to show flashes.
Following a scoreless first quarter and being down 7-0 Isaiah Crowell opened the game up for the Jets with a 77 yard touchdown run to the outside. Crowell who had been held to only 69 yards rushing over the last three games was about to take part in a record setting day. Crowell rushed 15 times for 219 yards. Following the touchdown and a third down sack by Leonard Williams who also tied his career high with 2.5 sacks in the game. The Jets got the ball back and followed it up with another big play. This time the play came through the air on a deep ball from Sam Darnold to Robbie Anderson who was able to burn his defender and catch the beautifully thrown ball and score a 76 yard touchdown.
A crucial drive to the game came at the end of the first half with the score 14-10 with the Jets getting the ball back in the second half. Being able to march the ball downfield the Jets went on a 8 play 75 yard drive to close the half. Finishing the drive with a nearly perfect thrown ball deep to Robbie Anderson along the sideline in the end zone for a 35 yard score. Robbie Anderson who was able to keep both feet in bounds on the score had a huge game for the gang green with 123 yards.
Defense and Special Teams
The Jets defense also showed up in a big way today, holding the Broncos to 16 points seven of which coming off of an early turnover on the Jets first drive of the game, as well as a late touchdown in garbage minutes. Getting to the quarterback early and often totaling 4 sacks on the day, and being able to hold the Broncos under 100 yards rushing on the day. Besides the touchdown late in the garbage minutes of the game the Jets Defense was able to keep the Broncos from scoring in the second half. In addition to getting key stops, the special teams contributed with two second half field goals from Jason Myers. Andre Roberts made big plays as a punt returner with 4 attempts for 71 yards giving the offense good field position.
Notes
Putting the final stamp on the game Darnold completed a late throw for a 20 yard touchdown by way of a great catch by Terrelle Pryor. Although the Jets won 34-16 questions still remain. Sam Darnold only completed 10 passes, aside from the impressive deep touchdown throws the approach to the game was still conservative. With the play calling often playing it safe, making us wonder will this make it so they allow Darnold to throw downfield? Will this game mark a change in the Jets season? Will the rushing attack be able to sustain this level of play? Rushing for 323 yards after Bilal Powell was able to add 99 yards himself.
The Jets played this game without defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers who is suffering from “a serious illness” as disclosed by Todd Bowles.
