The Jets traveled to Baltimore and fell to the Ravens on Thursday night, 42-21. Let's check out the snap count and break down how playing time was distributed.
OFFENSE
The Jets ran 59 plays on offense against Baltimore, the fewest since equaling that number against Philadelphia in Week 5 and the second lowest total of the season (51, week three at New England). For the first time since Week 9 in Miami, only 16 players saw the field for the Green and White's offense and seven members of the group were on field for every play (59 total): Kelvin Beachum, Alex Lewis, Jonotthan Harrison, Tom Compton, Brandon Shell, Robby Anderson and Sam Darnold.
Despite the loss, Darnold delivered multiple touchdown strikes for the fourth time in five games. Against the Ravens, the second-year signal caller completed 18-of-32 for 218 yards, with a pair of scores to go with an interception and a fumble.
Le'Veon Bell (51/59, 86%) returned to the lineup following a one-game absence and turned in his best rushing performance of the season. Bell galloped for a season-high 87 yards on 21 carries (4.1 avg) to lead a running back group, minus the injured Bilal Powell. Veteran Ty Montgomery (12/71, 20%) helped shoulder the load as well.
The Jets once again had five wide receivers involved in the offense. The unit played without the injured Demaryius Thomas (knee/hamstring). Just as he did back in Week 3 at New England, Robby Anderson never left the field (59/59) and pulled in four grabs for 66 yards. Jamison Crowder (50/59, 85%) led the way with 6 catches for 90 yards including a pair of touchdown grabs. Vyncint Smith (37/59, 63%) registered a season-high 3 receptions for 40 yards. Jeff Smith (14/59, 24%) made his Jets debut following his elevation from the practice squad and had 1 catch for 12 yards. Braxton Berrios (5 snaps) also saw action.
Earlier in the day, starting tight end Ryan Griffin was placed on injured reserve following an ankle injury suffered last week against the Dolphins. As a result, Daniel Brown and rookie Trevon Wesco shared the workload with each playing 29 snaps (49%) in Baltimore.
DEFENSE
The Jets defense was on field for 63 plays against the Ravens. Sixteen players saw action for Gregg Williams' injury-plagued group, the fewest number used on that side of the ball this season. Only two never left the field for all 63 snaps: James Burgess and Marcus Maye.
With rookie Quinnen Williams sidelined due to injury, six defensive linemen were active against Baltimore. It was fellow first-year player, Kyle Phillips (38/63, 60%), that led the group in snaps. Steve McLendon (37/63, 59%) registered 4 tackles. Nathan Shepherd (34/63, 54%) had a hit on QB Lamar Jackson. Henry Anderson (32/63, 51%) registered a tackle and a quarterback hit. Foley Fatukasi (30/63, 48%), and Jordan Willis (8 snaps, 13%) were part of the rotation, as well.Â
Since his elevation from the practice squad eight games ago, Burgess has been a mainstay for the Jets defense, playing all but four snaps. Against the Ravens he tied for the team lead in tackles with 7, while being on-field for all 63 plays. Neville Hewitt (62/63, 98%) has only missed three snaps in the last five games since returning from injury. Hewitt picked up five tackles, including 1 TFL against Baltimore. Tarell Basham (37/63, 59%) had a sack of Lamar Jackson to go with 4 tackles. Jordan Jenkins (36 snaps, 57%) and Brandon Copeland (28 snaps, 44%) rounded out the playing time for the linebackers.
The secondary again missed starters Jamal Adams, Arthur Maulet and Brian Poole. Maye made 5 tackles while never stepping off the field. Darryl Roberts (61/63, 97%) tied for the team lead with 7 tackles. Maurice Canady (61/63, 97%) registered 4 tackles while playing a season-high in snaps. Bless Austin (61/63, 97%) came off the field for a pair of snaps after playing every down the previous three games. Nate Hairston (43/63, 68%) made 3 tackles. Â
SPECIAL TEAMS
On special teams, Matthias Farley led the way with 25 snaps, while Brandon Copeland was close behind with 24. Bennett Jackson (20 snaps), Daniel Brown (18 snaps) and Paul Worrilow (18 snaps) also featured prominently. B.J. Bello (15 snaps) returned a blocked punt 14 yards for a touchdown. Ty Montgomery (4 ret, 93 yds, 23.3 avg) and Vyncint Smith (3 ret, 86 yds, 28.7 avg) had some success when it came to returning kickoffs. Lachlan Edwards averaged 51 yards on four punts and pinned Baltimore inside the 20 on a pair of occasions.
