New York Jets get all systems rolling in Monday Night win

The New York Jets came out firing on Monday night against the Detroit Lions, winning the game going away, by the score of 48-17.

All New York Jets fans everywhere took a deep breath when Sam Darnold‘s first pass was a pick six to Quandre Diggs.

From there it was all Jets as they took over the game and didn’t look back in a dominating week one win.

Darnold shook off that opening pass with Mom and Dad in the seats to put in a fine game. He went 16-21 for 198 yards, two touchdowns and the one opening interception.

We have talked many times about how a quarterback has to have a short memory. Being able to shake off a play like that is nothing something veterans can do, much less a 21-year-old rookie.

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The tone of the game changed right after that opening throw.

Yes, the Jets punted on the next drive, but they recorded three first downs on the drive.

That got Darnold’s confidence going again. He got the ball moving and that was important.

The next time the Jets had the ball they drove down for the first of two Isaiah Crowell touchdowns and off they went.

Jeremy Bates schemed very well for this game. How? He played to Sam’s strengths.

Everybody knows that his calling card is being able to make throws on the move. Other than his very first throw, he did that all night long.

Later in the week we will break that down a bit more.

One of the coolest plays was the designed scramble by Darnold that he took for a first down. That was a great way to use his strengths.

He took chances, but he took them when they were there. Again, subtracting the opening throw when he didn’t see Diggs coming across to make the play.

The special teams were finally special. Lachlan Edwards dropped two punts inside the twenty. Andre Roberts took a punt return back for a touchdown.

I don’t even remember the last time that happened.

The defense bent but didn’t break, just the way it happened during the preseason.

They intercepted Matthew Stafford five times, including the first career interception for Jamal Adams. A great friend to a young quarterback is an opportunistic defense that gives him a short field.

Kacy Rodgers‘ bunch did that for young Sam on Monday night.

On the ground, the defense only allowed 2.6 yards per rush. It can’t be done a whole lot better than that.

Congratulations to Darnold on his first win, and to the Jets scoring the most points on the road in franchise history.

They come home on Sunday to face Miami. It should be a wild afternoon.