Jets vs Chiefs: The Most Important Play

The Jets lost another game on Sunday. It wasn’t close. In a game the Jets lost to the Chiefs 35 - 9, there weren’t a lot of turning points. The Jets were never within a single score after the first half in this game. One play, however, stands out.

The Chiefs struck first in this game getting off to a 7 - 0 lead on a quick, easy scoring drive to open the game. The Jets responded with a long scoring drive of their own, but had to settle for a field goal to make the score 7 - 3.

On the Chief’s next possession the Jets had the Chiefs stopped at midfield. On fourth down, the Chiefs brought out their punting unit. With the Jets having some early success moving the ball against the Chief’s defense, it was possible the Jets could actually take the lead with a drive after the punt. It was a long shot, but if the Jets take the lead, who knows what might have ensued? Sometimes a heavy favorite gets frustrated and starts to make mistakes. Sometimes a heavy underdog draws confidence from early success and plays above their talent level. Not likely, but hey, you never know what might have happened if the Jets took the lead in the game. Alas, it was not to be.

The Chiefs ran a fake punt. Pierre Desir never looked back as he retreated on the assumed punt return, leaving his man wide open. The punter completed an easy 13 yard pass to Desir’s uncovered man for a first down. Shortly thereafter the Chiefs scored a touchdown on a 36 yard pass to Tyreek Hill, and the rout was on. The Jets never again had an opportunity to take the lead in this game.

What do you think? Was the fake punt the most important play of the game, or do you think it was something else?