Frank Gore is in his 16th NFL season. The returning jets were pro bowlers and played in a Super Bowl. He has run 1,200 yards in one season and is # 3 all-time in NFL rushing yards.
At the age of 37, Gore is now trying to avoid an embarrassing entry on his résumé. He’s trying to avoid being part of a 0-16 team, a fate the Jets got closer to Sunday with a 34-28 loss to the Chargers in Los Angeles. The Jets are now 0-10 for the first time in franchise history.
“We think about it every day,” said Gore from 0-16. “We have to get one. You don’t want to go 0-16 especially this could be my last year. I can’t go out like this. “
It would be a humiliating end to Gore’s great career, and it would be a blemish for every coach, player, front office manager, and the others who are associated with it. It’s something the Jets are desperately trying to avoid, even as part of their fan base is hoping for a winless season and the # 1 draft pick that goes with it.
On Sunday, the Jets nearly cut an 18-point half-time deficit to take their first win but couldn’t quite make it against the Chargers, who improved to 3-7.
After a dismal first half of only 82 yards and Chargers rookie quarterback throwing 277 yards and two touchdowns, the Jets made a comeback in the second half. They scored three touchdowns and got the ball back at 2:48 left, 34-26 behind on their own 46-yard line. They moved the ball to 32, but Joe Flacco’s fourth pass towards Denzel Mims fell to the floor and the Jets’ hopes collapsed.
The Jets are now two losses away from the longest loss in franchise history (12) recorded in the 1995-96 seasons.
The Jets were officially excluded from the playoff competition with the loss and victory of the Colts against the Packers. The team’s postseason drought is now 10 seasons, the second longest drought in team history. The longest is 11 seasons from 1970 to 1980.
“It’s probably the most frustrating thing we’ve ever played football,” said Henry Anderson. “We work hard all week. It’s just frustrating. I feel like we’re doing everything we can during the week of preparation. We just have to find the few extra things we can do to get us over the top. “
For the fans dreaming of Clemson star Trevor Lawrence, this was the best possible result. The Jets played a competitive game, but lost. They have a one-game lead over the Jaguars for the number 1.
For the players and coaches, this is another dark week in a season full of players.
The Jets defense, which played three rookie starters in high school, had no response to Chargers quarterback Herbert and wide receiver Keenan Allen. Herbert completed 37 of 49 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns. He linked up with wide receiver Keenan Allen for 16 receptions, 145 yards, and a touchdown. The 16 catches are the most any Jets opponent has ever made.
Seasoned Jets quarterback Joe Flacco, starting in place of the injured Sam Darnold, fought early but seemed to find a rhythm in the second half. He landed 15 of 30 for 205 yards, two touchdowns and an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
The jets took off quickly. After their defenses stopped the chargers’ first ride. Anderson blocked a Ty Long punt, which Quinnen Williams regained on the Chargers 29. Four games later, La’Michal Perine scored a 5-yard touchdown and the Jets were missing a 6-0 lead after a failed extra point from Sam Ficken, his first of two.
The next charge ended with a fumble by everyone on the one-yard line of the jets, which was salvaged by Security Ashtyn Davis. The jets had momentum, but Flacco washed it away at the next game. He threw a terrible pass for Jamison Crowder, which Chargers cornerback Teavaughn Campbell intercepted, returning 6 yards for a touchdown and a 7-6 lead.
“The interception I threw was really bad,” said Flacco.
Herbert then sliced open the Jets and tossed Mike Williams and Hunter Henry touchdowns to give the Chargers a 24-6 lead at halftime.
The Jets offensive stuttered in the first half. Your broad recipients had no catch in the first two quarters.
“We couldn’t get into a rhythm,” said Gore.
The Jets recovered in the second half. Flacco threw two touchdown passes, one each to Breshad Perriman and Chris Herndon and Gore scored his first touchdown as a Jet. The Jets were more aggressive in the second half, making deeper shots and it paid off.
Herndon’s 6-yard touchdown – his first of the season – by 4:00 minutes made it 34-26. After a defensive stance, the Jets got the ball back at 2:48 and a chance to tie the game. But Flacco threw three direct imperfections from the Chargers 32 and Los Angeles escaped with the win. The chargers took the security of running the time out of the clock and preventing the Jets from engaging in another offensive game.
“It’s very difficult,” said Gore. “Any team sport that you want to win. One thing I can say about this team is that we come to work every week. On Sundays we give everything, everyone gives everything. We just have to keep fighting as a team and trying to get one, but it’s difficult because you play this game to win. “
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