Final Score: Bills 17, Jets 16

In the Jets’ 2019 season opener, on a beautiful September afternoon in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the New York Jets lost to the Buffalo Bills, 17 - 16.

In what is likely to be a theme to this season, the Bills made it clear they regarded the secondary as the weak link of the Jets defense. The Bills dropped back to pass nearly every play of the first half, with Bills running backs getting just three carries. The strategy was moderately effective, as the Bills were able to move the ball up and down the field in the first half. Fortunately for the Jets, Bills quarterback Josh Allen turned the ball over four times in the first half, keeping the Bills off the scoreboard. Unfortunately for the Jets, Sam Darnold and the Jets offense struggled to move the ball against a stout Bills defense. Darnold was under heavy pressure much of the time, and the only points the Jets scored in the first half came on a pick six by C.J. Mosley. The Jets kicking woes continued unabated, as Kaare Vedvik missed the extra point and also missed a 45 yard field attempt goal late in the first half.

In the second half a great Lachlan Edwards punt pinned the Bills inside their own 2 yard line. On the next play the Jets stuffed Frank Gore for a safety. The Jets followed that up with a touchdown drive culminating in a Le’Veon Bell touchdown catch and a Le’Veon Bell two point conversion, giving the Jets a 16 - 0 lead. The Bills responded with a field goal drive late in the third quarter to pull within 13 points.

The Bills went on a long touchdown drive to open the fourth quarter, led by a dynamic Devin Singletary. The ensuing Jets drive fizzled and the Bills got the ball back with just under six minutes to play and a chance to take the lead. Josh Allen promptly marched the Bills down the field 80 yards for a go ahead touchdown to John Brown, beating Darryl Roberts.

The Jets took over with 3 minutes to play, but a last ditch drive fizzled at the 40 yard line of the Jets. The Jets somehow managed to lose a home game in which they forced four turnovers and did not turn the ball over themselves. A kicker who could not kick straight loomed large in this one. This is a devastating loss to start the season.

With the loss the Jets start the season with an 0 - 1 record as the tough next five games loom on the horizon.

John will be around for a more in depth recap of today’s game a bit later this evening. In the meantime leave your comments on the game below.