What was the most important play of the Jets’ loss to the Bengals?

What do you think was the single most important play of the Jets’ 22-6 defeat by the Cincinnati Bengals yesterday.

The Bengals were in total control for most of the game. The Jets were never closer than 11 points at any time in the second half. I think that means the most significant play had to come in the first half.

There were a few momentum-swinging plays in the early part of the game. Sam Darnold’s errant pass to Robby Anderson in the end zone comes to mind. If the Jets hit that pass to take an early 7-0 lead, maybe things play out differently.

The two minute drill before the half also pops into my mind. I thought the Jets really mismanaged the clock and their timeouts. They did get a field goal, but they had the Bengals defense on their heels. They didn’t even take a shot into the end zone, which could have cut the deficit to a touchdown heading into the locker room.

Ultimately, though, my choice was Joe Mixon’s five yard touchdown run that put Cincinnati up 17-3 in the second quarter. That was the last time where I didn’t feel like the Jets were chasing the game. Given the offense’s struggles, it was pretty much over from there.

What do you think was the game’s most important play?