Chant with me J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets. Last night was a magical night for the Jets who went on the road to Motown to defeat the Detroit Lions 48-17. Yes, you read that right: FORTY-EIGHT POINTS. The highest ever in franchise history on a road win.
The Jets have a hometown matchup this coming week in MetLife against AFC East rival Miami Dolphins before hitting the road again to face off the Cleveland Browns. But first, let us enjoy and soak in this magical night.
A rookie QB took on the smartest man in football and former Patriots DC Matt Patricia. And I will be the first to admit I assumed New York would take the L since Matthew Stafford is one of the best when he is at home. However, hats off to the Jets whose defense was New Jack City for sure. Here are some highlights from the game:
Rookie QB FTW
Rookie Sam Darnold in his opening NFL debut threw a pick-six on a split cross route to which myself and several other Jets fan yelled out very loud profound things. But we quickly and rightfully so changed our tune when the Jets got the ball back and drove it down the field on the backs of Quincy Enuwa and Isaiah Crowell. Sam showed he can sling it with some deep ball passes to speedster Robby Anderson and bullet a pass on the cross route to Q.
It was a night to remember for No. 14.
Sam Darnold's best throws from #NYJvsDET ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/rQigLVDby0
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 11, 2018
New Jack City Defense
The Jets’ defense did not just come alive but it lit itself on fire, in a good way. The Jets were able to have a good show on defense on the first two drives then the fun really began. On the third drive a pass intended for Marvin Jones was picked off by Morris Claiborne, the Jets #2 CB, which lead to a field goal ending.
ON THE VERY NEXT LIONS possession the newest Jet Trumaine Johnson intercepted another Jones ball but could not hold onto and the Lions recovered the fumble. Johnson was taken by the medical team for a concussion which he was later cleared. The Jets were able to hold the Lions to just 10 points in the first quarter.
The first drive of the second quarter lead to a Lions TD and then a Jets TD. Then New Jack City struck again. Darron Lee intercepted another one of Stafford’s throws, but this time for a pick six which ended the Jets five year drought of having a defensive touchdown. The Lions received the ball and went three and out on a strong defensive showing which lead to a punt which then lead to new Jet Andre Roberts to return said punt 78 yards back to the house.
The Jets were not done though. After another kick off, Matthew Stafford threw another interception thanks in part to Darron Lee again, but no pick six this time. After a few more field goals and touchdowns, the Lions took Stafford out of the game and put in Matt Cassel who was intercepted by the President himself, Jamal Adams who ran it back 38 yards before going down. There is the ticket to the Pro Bowl ladies and gentlemen.
The monkey is finally off @TheAdamsEra's back. #NYJvsDET pic.twitter.com/vCD6gCb2fY
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 11, 2018
Special, Special Teams
The Jets’ special teams were on fire last night as well. Jason Myers kicked every extra point and field goal and knocked it in every time. Lachlan Edwards punted the ball to perfection dropping it inside the red zone at times and backing the Lions up. Even on punt returns as said before, Andre Roberts returned one for a TD and returned a few more for a grand total of 137 yards on just 3 punts. This is a lock on the job.
We got the job done.
HIGHLIGHTS (and there were a lot) → https://t.co/BasYeDFirM pic.twitter.com/oXNPZ8p7IZ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 11, 2018
While the Jets’ Defense had won the day, the offense did not look bad at all out there under Rookie Sammy D. With a few easy games coming up, this will be interesting to see how Sam will handle the New York media once he has a bad outing. But until then, enjoy the spotlight, Sam. You have earned it.
– Alessandro Senatore is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @AMS1928 Follow @FPC_Jets
