Talking Points for Jets

A few talking points after the Jets’ 30-21 loss against New England.

BOTTOM LINE
Are the Jets, at 2-3, a playoff-caliber team, or are they spiraling out of control after three straight losses?

PROMISING PERFORMANCE

Antonio Cromartie atoned for blown coverage on Aaron Hernandez by intercepting a deflected pass at the goal line to close the first half. What would probably have been a touchdown — the ball went through Hernandez’s hands, caroming to Cromartie — became a brief momentum-stopper for the Jets, who thwarted a scoring threat that had begun at the Patriots’ 7. It allowed the Jets to remain within a field goal at halftime, 10-7, instead of being down by two scores with New England preparing to receive the second-half kickoff.

NOTABLE NUMBER
Despite being afforded better protection, Mark Sanchez threw for only 70 yards in the first three quarters. His inaccuracy was evident, other than a 4-for-4 showing on the Jets’ first scoring drive. The Jets hoped that a renewed commitment to running the ball would open up play-action opportunities for Sanchez, but it didn’t work out that way Sunday.