By Andrew Rosario
The New York Jets have never had winless season as an organization. This just might be year that happens. Coming off a bye week, Gang Green traveled south down l95 to play the Philadelphia Eagles. Although second year quarterback Sam Darnold was cleared to practice (no contact however) as his mononucleosis prognosis improved, he was put on the inactive list. That left first year head coach Adam Gase no choice to start third string QB Luke Falk despite Darnold taking the majority of the snaps in practice last Wednesday and Thursday. Luke, out of Washington State where he threw for over 14,000 yards, showed why he was number 3 on the depth chart.
The Jets would go three and out after winning the coin toss, then watched as the Eagles marched downfield behind QB Carson Wentz in 9 plays with running back Jordan Howard getting in the end zone from 1 yard out giving them a 7-0 lead. It would only get worse the next time the Jets got the ball. Needing only 1 yard to get the first down and keep the drive going, Falk looks for Le ‘Veon Bell but Eagles linebacker Nathan Gerry steps in front for the interception and a 51 yard touchdown extending the lead to 14-0. Said Falk of the play, “I had a guy in my face. I needed to throw it on the outside. Just left It inside. The guy made a good play.”
The first half malaise continued as the Jets would get only two first downs as Falk would throw another interception. Philadelphia took advantage of that miscue as well with Wentz finding running back Miles Sanders for a 5 yard touchdown pass.
After more than 160 offensive possessions without getting into the end zone, the New York Jets finally crossed the plane. They took advantage of a Eagles muffed punt and one play later wide receiver Vyncint runs it in from 19 yards to get on the board. It was all for naught as the next time they had the ball, Falk gets stripped by Eagles Orlando Scandrick and turns it in to a 44 yard touchdown completing the 31-6 blowout. “I can’t afford to get sacked in that situation. The line gave me that much time,” said Falk.
The New York Jets host the struggling Dallas Cowboys who lost for the second week in a row. Green Bay took them out in the house that Jerry built. The team announced Tuesday that Darnold will be under center. The offensive line was like paper mache as they gave up 10 sacks. Gase took responsibility for the loss. “It’s on me. I told the guys in there i’ll get it fixed. It’s on me. Not nobody else.”
There is a first time for everything. This might be the first time the New York Jets go winless for the entire year.
