PHILADELPHIA — The Jets lost their first game in a month Sunday when the Eagles took them apart 45-19. Though the loss was embarrassing for the Jets, it did little damage to their hopes of making the playoffs. If the Jets win out, they are a near certainty to make the postseason.
Winners are hard to come by this week, but here are the Jets winners and losers from Sunday’s game:
WINNERS
ELLIS LANKSTER – You know it’s a rough day when you have to reach into the special teamers to find a winner. Lankster recovered two turnovers on returns for the Jets, the first on a muffed punt return and the second on a fumbled kickoff return. He has been a solid special teams player this season.
BRODNEY POOL – It’s hard to give anyone on the defense credit, and it is possible Pool was at fault for some of the miscues in the secondary, but he recovered a fumble when the Jets were still fighting in the first half. It did not appear any of the long passes were in his area. Again, this is a reach, but who deserves praise?
NEW YORK FANS – The Jets loss sets up a fascinating game this week with the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Had the Jets won Sunday this game would not be nearly as interesting because the Jets would have a little cushion. Now, the Jets could really put themselves in a precarious spot with a loss. The Giants have a ton riding on the game as well after losing to the Redskins. It should make for a fun week in New York.
LOSERS
SANTONIO HOLMES – The captain came up small Sunday. His fumble on the first drive resulted in the Eagles’ first points. Then he let a ball bounce off his hands for an interception. Finally, he picked up a taunting penalty after scoring a touchdown. Holmes has amazing talent and has shown he is a clutch performer, but he makes you scratch your head sometimes.
WAYNE HUNTER – The right tackle has been a disaster for the Jets this season. In his first year as a starter, Hunter has been embarrassed by several good pass rushers. Jason Babin got him twice on Sunday for sacks (Babin’s third sack was not on Hunter) and he got past Hunter a few other times to hit Mark Sanchez. The Jets gave Hunter a four-year deal before this season. They have to do something in the offseason to improve the position, though.
MIKE TANNENBAUM – You can point the finger at a lot of people on Sunday, but don’t forget the Jets general manager. The Eagles exposed the flaws of the Jets roster: the lack of team speed on defense, Hunter, the poor safety play. Tannenbaum did not have a good offseason, and that has popped up throughout the season. Even if the Jets make the playoffs, it’s hard to envision them making another run. This year’s team simply is not as good as the past two years, and that falls on Tannenbaum.