Main Photo Credit: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

As many expected, it’s going to be a long season for the New York Jets. The Jets strolled into Orchard Park, NY yesterday with the hopes of proving their critics wrong and leaving with a divisional win. The Jets proved two things during yesterday’s game; the criticism is justified and the Jets are a really bad team.

Offense Struggles Against Bills Defense

The Jets offense looked like a team that was going to challenge the 1992 Seattle Seahawks for the lowest points scored in an NFL season. The Bills had a perfect defensive game plan against the Jets. Stack the box, stop the run, and make Josh McCown throw the ball. McCown dropped back 39 times, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, two interceptions and a passer rating of 56.3.

The one positive was one the only touchdown drive. McCown went 6-7, 65 yards and a rushing touchdown. He shouldn’t take all the blame. His receivers couldn’t separate from their defenders. Jermaine Kearse had a decent day with seven receptions for 59 yards. Robby Anderson the supposed #1 receiver struggled with four receptions for 22 yards on eight targets.

Hopefully with more reps, McCown and his receivers can get in sync and have a better day then they had on Sunday. The two best offensive weapons struggled mightily against the extra defenders, Bilal Powell and Matt Forte finished with a total of 38 rushing yards on 13 attempts.

The Jets of recent years have been great at running the ball. Why give up the run and have McCown drop back 40 times? For the Jets to be successful on offense  Powell and Forte need to rush more times than McCown throws.

Once Dominant Defense Now Average

The Jets defense was expected to come in this year with a fresh start. The secondary that gave up some many big plays last year was gone, Mo Wilkerson was supposed to be back to his normal self. The Jets defense would be back to being dominant, right? Well, the Bills finished with 408 total yards, 190 of those yards rushing, and eight plays of 20 or more yards.

The Jets defense looked lost and lacked discipline, leading to missed tackles, making an average offense look great. The new look secondary allowed a few big plays.

Jordan Matthews broke loose from a Buster Skrine tackle on his third quarter 47 yard reception. On 2nd and 20, the Jets allowed a Lesean McCoy dump off to turn into a 21 yard first down reception.

The defensive line, once the strength of the team, couldn’t seem to control McCoy. He ripped off some big runs on his way to 110 rushing yards.

The best defensive players, Wilkerson, Williams, and McLendon, combined for eight tackles and zero sacks. In order for the defense to be successful, these three need to be as close to dominant as possible.

Todd Bowles stated that the defensive issues are “minor” and “self-inflicted” and will be fixed. The Jets need to have a short memory because they travel to the “Black Hole” to face the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are definitely not the Bills, so to come out with a win, the team needs to play as perfect as possible.