Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
The New York Jets were defeated by the Bills in Buffalo yesterday 20-12 in what was a crucial game for future playoff positioning. They had a chance to leap frog the Dolphins for second place in the AFC East but instead could potentially sit in last place if the Patriots win tonight. Here are my three takeaways from the loss:
Mike White is the Definition of Resilient
Despite White and the offense not being able to gain a single yard on the final drive in the fourth quarter, he did gain immense respect both in the locker room and with the fan base. He first took a shot to the ribs in the second quarter and came out of the game for a couple plays. Then, later in the third quarter he was absolutely walloped by Bills linebacker Matt Milano again in the ribs. It knocked the wind out of him but not his will to stay in the fight. White returned in the fourth quarter and played until the final whistle proving to all that he has that iron man grit. Center Connor McGovern told the media after the game “He’s a dog, man. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to win. That’s what every guy in this locker room, if they aren’t that way, they need to be that way. I believe everybody is that way…”. White is expected to be in a position to play next Sunday.
The Jets Defense Continues to Keep the Jets In Games
Gang Green’s defense has been on another level this season and continues to keep the team in the game week in and week out. Aside from the costly encroachment penalty committed by linebacker CJ Mosley on a 4th and 1 early on in the first quarter that resulted in Buffalo getting seven points, the Jets defense gave the team a great shot at winning in the end. They not only kept Josh Allen in check, holding him to his lowest total passing yards in a game (146) all season but cornerbacks Ahmad Gardner and DJ Reed also held Stefon Diggs to his lowest receiving yards in a game this season at just 37. There were some great individual efforts as well such as defensive tackle Quinnen Williams registering two sacks prior to getting injured. One of which forced the Bills to punt. Rookie defensive end Jermaine Johnson also came up big in the backend of the fourth quarter as he blocked a punt which forced a safety and put the Jets down by just two possessions. It was another one of those games in which the offense could not get it done after their defense left it all on the field.
Zonovan “Bam” Knight: Weapon Acquired
Rookie running back Zonovan Knight has had quite the impact on this Jets offense and once again he performed real well. Knight has picked up the slack in a big way and over the course of the past three games including yesterday, Knight has rushed for an average of 76.7 rushing yards and 22.7 receiving yards. He rumbled into the endzone in the third quarter for his first rushing touchdown of his career against a top 10 caliber Bills rush defense no less and tied the game at seven a piece. Given the huge loss that the Jets suffered back in Week 7 with losing Breece Hall for the year, Knight is turning out to be quite the compliment to Michael Carter in the backfield. He has been a clutch boost for the Jets offense.
The Jets next take on the Lions at Metlife Stadium, 1:00 p.m. kickoff.
