New York Jets Lose To Miami Dolphins On Monday Night Football

The New York Jets, much like their fellow MetLife Stadium tenants in the New York Giants, were unable to hold onto a lead and eventually lost a game they could have easily won. Tonight for the Jets it was to the division rival Miami Dolphins, who are right in the thick of things in the AFC playoff picture, and currently hold the sixth seed. It was yet another miserable loss in what has been a miserable season for the Jets, who had locked up their second double-digit loss season out of the last three. Check out a couple takeaways from the Jets loss on Monday night.

Player of the Game: Chris Johnson

Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Johnson (21) runs through a big hole against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson, who has become sort of a forgotten man behind Chris Ivory, did a tremendous job tonight against what had been a stout Dolphins’ run defense. Tonight Johnson racked up a season-high 105 yards on 17 carries. He showcased the speed and burst the Jets had hoped they had been getting, ripping off a vintage Chris Johnson run in the first quarter on a 47-yard scamper that he showcased jukes and elusiveness. He was the bright spot in a lackluster offensive performance as a whole from the Jets.

–Back to Ground and Pound

The Jets said they wanted to get back to the ground-and-pound, and boy did they ever. The Jets constantly ran the ball against the Dolphins, attempted 49 rushes. They were successful in their game plan, totaling 277 yards and the lone touchdown for the Jets. In addition to the 105 from Johnson and 62 from Ivory, Jeremy Kerley added 38 yards on two attempts. Percy Harvin had six rushes of his own, with Greg Salas recording the score on a 20-yard touchdown reverse.

–No Trust in Geno

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The Jets started Geno Smith tonight, but it was evident from the outset they have no confidence in him. Smith attempted only 13 passes in the game, the lowest a team recorded in the NFL this season. The results were poor as expected, as Smith completed only seven passes for 65 yards and one interception. He also fumbled once, but it was recovered by the Jets.

The Jets never gave Smith a chance tonight, as they failed to even block for him on the few attempts, as the Dolphins still managed two sacks and five quarterback hits. It was almost sad to watch Smith on the field, as the confidence level the coaching staff and his teammates had in him caused for an ugly performance that was tough to watch.

–Missed Opportunities

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The Jets have no one to blame for the outcome of the game tonight but themselves. They blew multiple opportunities to wide the lead against the Dolphins and really put them away. They dropped a number of interceptions; most notably Calvin Pace who had a ball hit him right in the hands.

Special teams were extremely poor for the Jets as well. Nick Folk has an uncharacteristically poor game, missing two field goals from 45 and 48 yards. The punt team also suffered a partially blocked punt, and four of the seven penalties called on the Jets came on special teams. A penalty on special teams hurt you in the field position game, and tonight was no different as the holding on Saalim Hakim led to some extra yardage for the Dolphins on their game-tying touchdown drive.