Things could be worse for Robert Saleh's New York Jets. The Jets have two wins after all, which is two more wins than Dan Cambell's Lions have nine games into the 2021 season. The Jets' wins -- which came against winning teams in the Tennessee Titans and the Cincinnati Bengals -- is proof that Saleh's team is making subtle steps toward being competitive.
While it could be worse, things could certainly be better for the Jets, who fell to 2-7 after getting hammered at home by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. In Sunday's loss, the Jets committed a season-high five turnovers. For the eighth time in nine games, the Jets failed to run for over 100 yards. Defensively, the Jets surrendered nearly 500 total yards that included 366 passing yards by Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Conversely, Jets quarterback Mike White threw four interceptions while erasing any doubt about who New York's starting quarterback will be when Zach Wilson is able to return from his injury.
The Jets' recent struggles have put them on the wrong side of NFL history. Their 175 points allowed over the past four games are the second most allowed by any team since the 1970 merger, via ESPN's Rich Cimini. New York is the first team to surrender 45 points three times over a four-game stretch since the 1966 Giants. Their 1,890 yards allowed over that stretch is the worst four-game period in franchise history. That last stat is a significant one considering the Jets fielded one of the worst teams in NFL history a quarter century ago.
"Every man should be embarrassed and every man should be angry," defensive end Sheldon Rankins said following Sunday's loss, via Connor Hughes of The Athletic. "I think we've played it, overall, about as bad as we can possibly play at times. So, it can only go up from here.
"The way this league works, you gotta show up. If you don't show up, you get replaced."
The Jets have some legitimate reasons for their struggles, particularly on defense. The unit has lost pass rusher Carl Lawson and safeties Marcus Maye and Lamarcus Joyner to season-ending injuries. With those veterans out, the Jets have had to lean on several rookies and other inexperienced players to fill those spots. That raw talent has helped produce two wins, but the inexperience has mostly been exploited by the Jets' opponents.
Fortunately for the Jets, they have several winnable games during the season's final seven weeks. They will host the 3-7 Dolphins this Sunday before heading to Houston to face the 1-8 Texans. New York's remaining schedule also includes a home game against the 4-6 Eagles, a road game in Miami and a home game against the two-win Jaguars.
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