For the first time since 2017, the Jets have won three consecutive games. On Sunday at a rainy MetLife Stadium, they dominated the Raiders 34-3. Let's dive into the snap count and how playing time was distributed.
OFFENSE
The Jets ran 63 plays on offense against Oakland, their fewest since week eight in Jacksonville (61). For the third straight week the unit put 34 points on the scoreboard, while also totaling at least 400 yards for the second consecutive contest. Twenty players saw the field for the Green and White's offense, one shy of the season-high total of 21 against Dallas in Week 6. Three members of the group were on field for every play (63 total): Alex Lewis, Jonotthan Harrison and Tom Compton. Kelvin Beachum (59/63, 94%) missed four plays after injuring his ankle. Chuma Edoga (16/63, 25%) had his afternoon cut short due to a knee injury, while Brandon Shell (51/63, 81%) came off the bench to contribute.
It was another banner day at the office for Sam Darnold (59/63, 94%). The quarterback even got to rest for some of the fourth quarter, giving way to David Fales (4 snaps, 6%). Darnold completed 20 of 29 for 315 yards to go with a pair of touchdown strikes, while also adding his second rushing score in the last three games. In addition, he also played a turnover-free game for the second time in three weeks. In the last four games, Darnold has completed 66.4% of his throws with 10 touchdowns (8 passing), two interceptions for 1,098 yards and has helped lead the team to a 3-1 record.
While he may not have found the endzone for the third straight game, Le'Veon Bell still churned out 108 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches, despite playing a season-low 36 snaps (57%). Bilal Powell (15 snaps, 24%), Ty Montgomery (12 snaps, 19%) and Josh Adams (5 snaps, 8%) all saw action for the running backs.
The Jets once again had five wide receivers involved in the offense. For the seventh consecutive outing, Robby Anderson led the group in playing time with 52 snaps (83%) while pulling in four grabs for 86 yards and a touchdown for the second straight week. Demaryius Thomas (44/63, 70%) had a pair of catches for 22 yards. Jamison Crowder (41/63, 65%) had two catches for 18 yards, while Vyncint Smith was on field for 17 snaps (27%). Braxton Berrios received only three reps (5%), but made the most of it, registering a 69-yard catch and run which set up a Jets score.
It was a pretty good weekend for tight end Ryan Griffin (55/63, 87%). Against the Raiders, Griffin had three grabs, including his fifth touchdown of the season and fourth in five games, just a day after agreeing to a new multi-year extension with the team. Daniel Brown (22 snaps, 35%) and Rookie Trevon Wesco (13 plays, 21%) contributed as well.
DEFENSE
The Jets defense was on field for 59 plays against the Raiders, which is the fewest number of plays run by an opponent all season. Eighteen players saw action for Gregg Williams' group. Four of them were on field for all 59 snaps: James Burgess, Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye and Bless Austin (a first for the rookie out of Rutgers). The unit held Oakland to just 208 yards of offense. The league's top-ranked rush defense also limited the Raiders to just 68 yards on 22 carries (3.1 avg).
Six defensive linemen were active on Sunday. For the first time all season, Henry Anderson led the group in playing time (39/59, 66%), while recording three tackles and a hit on the quarterback. A pair of rookies, Quinnen Williams and Kyle Phillips, were each on field for 28 snaps (47%). Foley Fatukasi (25 snaps, 42%), Nathan Shepherd (23 snaps, 39%), and Steve McLendon (22 snaps, 37%) made contributions as well.
In five games since his elevation from the practice squad, Burgess has played all but four snaps on defense. Against Oakland, he led the team with nine tackles, one for loss and a pass breakup. Neville Hewitt (58/59, 98%) had seven tackles and got his hand on pass that resulted in Brian Poole's pick-six. Jordan Jenkins (37 snaps, 63%), Tarell Basham (30 snaps, 51%), Brandon Copeland (17 snaps, 29%) and Frankie Luvu (1 snap, 2%) rounded out the playing time for the linebackers.
Adams continued his stellar run picking up seven tackles, three quarterback hits and a half sack, bringing his season sack total to 6.5. Maye had four tackles, including a key fourth down stop in Oakland territory. Austin registered five tackles plus a pass breakup. Arthur Maulet (55/59, 93%) had seven tackles, including three for loss. Poole (46 snaps, 78%) had a 15-yard interception return for a touchdown to cap off the day's scoring. Maurice Canady (4 snaps, 7%) had a pair of tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS
On Special Teams, Daniel Brown led the way with 23 snaps. Maurice Canady (19), Tarell Basham (17), Vyncint Smith (16) and Frankie Luvu (15) were active, as well. Sam Ficken converted two of his three field goal attempts, plus all four of his point after tries. Braxton Berrios broke off a 26-yard punt return on his only return attempt of the afternoon.
