Final Straw
The Jets defense put together its best performance of the season in the team's 24-16 win over the Ravens. The unit held Baltimore in check through the air and on the ground — only surrendering a franchise record six rushing yards and forcing two takeaways in the second half.
"Overall we didn't change our scheme too much," DE Leonard Williams said. "I think it was just a matter of enough is enough with losing. Having that losing streak drove us. Everyone wanted to play fast and finally get over this streak."
Domino EffectS Marcus Gilchrist is responsible for one of the secondary's two takeaways Sunday. The six-year veteran picked off Ravens QB Joe Flacco midway through the third quarter on an overthrow intended for Breshad Perriman.
"Just execution," he said regarding why the defense was successful creating turnovers. "It's one of those things where you always talk about trying to do it in practice and if you consistently do it in practice, hopefully it'll take over into the game and we were able to do that."
Scratching Each Other's BackWR Quincy Enunwa was a key cog to the aerial attack against Baltimore, sparking the Jets offense with a 69-yard TD catch-and-run in the first quarter, which cut the Ravens lead to 10-7. The Nebraska product credited RB Matt Forte and the running game's success as a major reason why the offense was able to maintain an effective passing offense.
"It's huge. We get an opportunity to do play action pass, a bunch of different things," Enunwa said. "The defense ends up putting more people in the box so we can throw more. I think the run sets up the pass so much and when Matt is able to run the way he was yesterday, it really helps us out as a whole. And it's great for us. I think if we can keep that formula going, it'll lead to more success for us."
Show-Me GameAfter QB Ryan Fitzpatrick said Sunday that he has probably played better as an underdog pissed off, both WR Brandon Marshall and head coach Todd Bowles were asked about the signal caller's comments.
"Well I'm just going to go off his comment, he seems pissed off," Marshall said of Fitzpatrick. "So if this is the thing that helps us all play better, then I'm for it. Say whatever you want to say, we just need to win games. I'll take it however it comes at this point."
Later Bowles drew laughter from reporters during his conference call.
"If pissed off is going to stop the turnovers, then I'm more than happy to have him pissed off the whole time," said the Jets second-year head coach of the veteran passer. "This is a show-me game. It's nothing about belief or non-belief. People get assigned to do jobs and they do them. If I don't do my job or the general manager doesn't do his job and the quarterback doesn't do his job and the team doesn't do its job, eventually, they're replaced. It's a show-me game."
Injury UpdateHead coach Todd Bowles said C Nick Mangold suffered an ankle sprain and will monitor his status throughout the week…ILB Bruce Carter (quad) is day-to-day…DE Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle) should be feeling better, according to Bowles, but will see Wednesday when the team practices for the first time in preparation for the Cleveland.
