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

The Jets are getting beaten so soundly each week that it is becoming a real challenge to pick out a single play that was the most significant in each loss, but I still will make an effort today.

I think the biggest play of yesterday’s game loss to Miami came near the end of the first quarter. The Jets were down 7-0, but they were driving. Aided by a drive-extending illegal contact penalty, the Jets had a third and 2 from the Miami 24. The play looked like a success as Joe Flacco found Breshad Perriman for 9 yards and an apparent first down. However, Ryan Griffin was flagged for offensive pass interference for setting an obvious pick.

The Jets were pushed back 10 yards. The next play turned to disaster as the ball was snapped before Flacco was ready. He was attempting to change either the protection or the play. The Jets had to punt. Vyncint Smith whiffed on a chance to down it near the Miami goal line. The ball went into the end zone for a touchdown. Harvey Langi was flagged for a facemask. Miami started its next drive at the 35. The Dolphins put together a touchdown drive to take a 14-0 lead.

For the 2020 Jets, a 14 point deficit essentially ends the game.

I don’t know whether the game would have gone differently had they converted that pass to Perriman without the penalty on Griffin. That play did begin the chain of events that led to the game getting out of control, however. The Jets should have gotten at least 3 points out of that drive.

They didn’t. Miami went on to score the touchdown that put the game out of reach.

For this reason, I think the Griffin pass interference was the game’s most important play.

What do you think?