The Jets came up short in their quest to make it two straight wins on Saturday, falling to the Texans 29-22. Here's the breakdown of playing time.
OFFENSE
The Jets ran a season-high 75 plays on offense against the Texans. The previous high was 69 against the Vikings in Week 7. For the second consecutive week, only five Jets played every snap on offense (75 total). One was QB Sam Darnold, who had a strong performance in his second game back following a three-game absence. The rookie completed 24-of-38 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers.
Four of the Jets' starting offensive linemen were also on the field for all 75 snaps: LT Kelvin Beachum, LG Spencer Long, C Jonotthan Harrison and RG Brian Winters. Brandon Shell started in his usual spot at right tackle and played in 40 snaps (53%) before departing with an injured knee. Brent Qvale replaced him and saw action on 39 plays (52%). Dakota Dozier appeared in six plays as well, often as an eligible receiver.
With WR Quincy Enunwa sidelined with an ankle injury, fellow wideout Robby Anderson led all skill players by appearing in all but four snaps (95%). Anderson had a big day at the office as well with seven catches for 96 yards and a score. Jermaine Kearse was next up with 62 of 75 possible snaps (83%), quite a jump from a week ago when he appeared in just 52 percent of the action up in Buffalo. Andre Roberts hauled in three catches for 16 yards, including a 13-yard TD grab from Sam Darnold and saw his most playing time (29-of-75, 39%) in the offense since Week 8 against Chicago (59%). Rishard Matthews saw action on 13 snaps, hauling in one grab for seven yards before departing with a hamstring injury.
The running back position was thin going into Week 15 after the Jets' leading rusher, Isaiah Crowell, landed on injured reserve Friday. For the fifth time in six games since returning from injury, Eli McGuire led all backs in reps with 56 snaps (75%). McGuire led the team in rushing with 42 yards on the ground and gave the Jets their first lead of the day on a go-ahead two-yard score in the fourth quarter. The second-year pro also hauled in three grabs for 29 yards, once again proving to be a multi-dimensional threat in the offense. Rookie Trenton Cannon was in on 23 plays (31%), his most since appearing in 29 during Week 8 against Chicago. Cannon totaled 37 yards of total offense.
As for the tight ends, Chris Herndon once again led the group receiving 69% of the snaps (52-of-75), bringing in three catches for 53 yards. Eric Tomlinson and Jordan Leggett each were in on 26 plays (35%). Leggett had one grab for eight yards, marking his sixth straight game with a catch.
DEFENSE
As for the defense, five players were in on all 53 snaps. The last time the Jets had that many defensive players on the field for every play was back in Week 10 against Buffalo. The 53 snaps also marks the fewest plays run by a Jets opponent all season.
LB Avery Williamson, S Jamal Adams, DL Leonard Williams and CBs Trumaine Johnson and Morris Claiborne played the entire game for the Jets D. Williamson (four tackles) and Adams (four tackles, one sack) have each not missed a snap on defense in six consecutive games. Williams (three tackles, one QB hit) has seen his snap percentage increase in each of the last six games. Johnson led the team with five tackles and appeared in 100% of the snaps for the second time in three games. Claiborne (three tackles, one pass defense) was back to full participation for the first time since Week 12 against the Patriots.
LB Neville Hewitt's stock continues to rise. The linebacker held steady from a week ago appearing in 81% of the snaps (82% vs. Buffalo). Hewitt contributed four tackles against the Texans. S Darryl Roberts, who had only missed three snaps the previous three games, departed early due to a toe injury. Roberts (38-of-53, 72%) was replaced by Rontez Miles (15 plays, 28%). OLB Jordan Jenkins, who was questionable for the game with an ankle injury, was limited to just 21 snaps (40%). That didn't stop the third-year pro from registering a sack and a pair of QB hits.
Speaking of sacks, DL Henry Anderson had a career day at the office against Houston. The first-year Jet added to his already career-high three sacks, bringing his total to six. Anderson has already doubled his career sack totals in 2018. He was in on 37 plays (70%) against the Texans.
SPECIAL TEAMS
On special teams, a trio of players shared the team lead in the snap total. Brandon Copeland, who also sacked Texans signal caller Deshaun Watson, Rontez Miles, and Terrence Brooks all were on field for 27 plays. Charone Peake and Kevin Pierre-Louis each chipped in with 20 apiece. Saturday proved to be an uncharacteristic day at the office for Jason Myers, who's had a career year in green and white. The Jets kicker missed a pair of PAT's while converting his only field goal try (26 yards). Myers has now missed more extra point attempts (three) than field goal attempts (two) this season.
