Special to the AmNews
New York Jets fans converged on MetLife Stadium Sunday afternoon with a new sense of hope, a new spirit of optimism and a renewed vitality. Some even exhibited a little bit of swagger. It was as if the pope had just blessed all of Gang Green’s tailgaters in the stadium’s adjoining parking lot. Only one thing was missing though: a third straight win.
Unknowingly, the love fest and happy feelings would be short-lived. All of the hope and optimistic stuff mentioned above would dissipate as the Jets gave up 24 points to the 0-2 Philadelphia Eagles by the end of the first half. “We turned the ball over and gave up points on special teams,” said head coach Todd Bowles.
Yes! There was the injury to running back Chris Ivory, whose short yardage plays with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick were integral in their first two regular season wins. Receiver Eric Decker was out, and Darrelle Revis was less than 100 percent.
But that can’t be blamed for Darren Sproles returning a 54-yard punt, untouched, against the Jets for an 89-yard touchdown. It didn’t cause receiver Brandon Marshall’s failed backwards lob pass to Jeff Cumberland in an attempt to extend his 15-yard catch, which was recovered by Philly and resulted in an Eagles touchdown.
“Wrong time to gamble,” said Marshall. “I was pressing, trying to make a play. Probably the worst play in NFL history.”
The 2-1 Jets travel to England this week for a 9:30 a.m. EST Sunday game at Wembley Stadium against their 1-2 divisional rivals the Miami Dolphins.
The Dolphins, like several other teams, were projected to be in contention at the start of the season but have fallen short thus far. And to Marshall, it may not be the worst play in NFL history, but it’s up there.