EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Jets' one-man show, Brandon Marshall, was no match for the Philadelphia Eagles in a classic trap-game loss.
The Jets came out flat and got only one big play from the defense. Without injured Eric Decker (inactive) and Chris Ivory (didn't play/coach's decision), the offense led by Ryan Fitzpatrick simply didn't have enough firepower in a 24-17 loss at MetLife Stadium. The entire passing attack revolved around Marshall, who somehow managed 10 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown despite constant double coverage.
Fitzpatrick's feel-good story came to a hard conclusion, as he was intercepted three times, struggled with his deep ball and had a few passes tipped at the line. Fitzpatrick was forced out of his comfort zone and had to play catch-up, attempting 58 passes. You can't win when Fitzpatrick is throwing 58 times in a game. He needs help from the running game and the defense, and neither of those areas stepped up.
What it means: The Jets are 2-1 before heading to London to face the Miami Dolphins in their first AFC East game. Did anybody really think the Jets would be 3-0? No, they're right where most people expected them to be. The concerning aspect is how they lost to the Eagles. Their offensive line got pushed around, and their defense failed to generate a consistent pass rush. This is Todd Bowles' first taste of in-season adversity, so we'll see how the new coach rallies his team.
What were they thinking? The Jets gave away points because of a reckless decision by Marshall, who tried to toss a lateral to a teammate after making a reception in Jets territory in the second quarter. Obviously he was frustrated -- it was 17-0, and he wasn't getting the ball -- but he has to be smarter than that. Bowles constantly preaches about the mistakes that cause teams to lose games, and this was a classic example. Marshall told Fox's Pam Oliver at halftime that it was "the worst play in NFL history." It set up an Eagles touchdown, putting the Jets in a 24-0 hole. Speaking of Bowles, he, too, made a bad decision -- an ill-advised replay challenge in the second quarter. He needs to brush up on his challenges; he's 0-for-3.
One reason to get excited: Actually, there's not much. Maybe the Jets can chalk it up to destiny. After all, they always lose to the Eagles -- literally. They fell to 0-10 against the neighbors at the south end of the Jersey Turnpike, the only team they've never beaten. Weird, huh?
One reason to panic: The running game was a no-show, as the Jets managed only 47 yards. Obviously, Ivory's absence hurt. It was curious. Ivory (strained quadriceps) warmed up before the game and was activated, but he stood on the sideline the entire game. Maybe Bowles was erring on the side of caution. Without their power back, the Jets' predictable ground game screeched to a halt, putting Fitzpatrick in bad passing situations. The line has to take some blame; it was dominated by the Eagles' front seven.
Fantasy watch: Obviously, Ivory was a major disappointment. Marshall continued his strong season, scoring for the third straight week. He actually could've had a second touchdown, but he had an end-zone drop.
Ouch: Right guard Willie Colon, listed as questionable with a knee injury, started the game but left in the third quarter with a knee issue. It wasn't immediately clear whether it was his bad knee. He was replaced by Brian Winters, who proceeded to allow a pressure that resulted in a tipped pass and an interception. The Jets can't afford to lose Colon, who brings leadership and a tough-guy mentality to the huddle.
D comes up small: The so-called vaunted defense was humbled by the Eagles' two-man rushing attack, Ryan Mathews (108 yards) and Darren Sproles. DeMarco Murray (hamstring) was inactive, but that didn't matter. The Jets were gashed by stretch running plays that creased their front seven. Clearly the defense still is adjusting to Bowles' one-gap scheme; there were too many technique errors. Sproles made the play of the game, an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Jets feared Sproles' multidimensional ability, then did nothing to stop it.