Jets in the redzone. It was 1^st & Goal, and the Jets had all the momentum needed to increase the lead from their current 7-0 lead over the Cincinnati Bengals. They looked like a well-oiled machine, driving down on their first possession that resulted in a Quincy Enunwa touchdown. And now they were back there again. The Jets had a chance to step on the throats of the Bengals and dictate the tone for the rest of the game. Setting up for a huge victory on an emotional day at MetLife Stadium on the 15^th Anniversary of 9/11.

However, the Jets would come up empty. In typical Jets fashion, the Jets managed to lose a very winnable game against a tough playoff opponent. They blew an opportunity to make a strong opening statement.

The Jets have no one blame but themselves. There is one big reason why they lost: futility in the redzone. After intercepting Dalton and already up 7-0, the Jets drove down to the nine-yard line. Unfortunately, the Jets wound up with zero points on this drive. Not only did they fail to punch the ball into the endzone, the field goal attempt was blocked by the Bengals. The drive was even extended and they got a fresh set of downs on the four-yard line after a penalty on 3^rd & Goal. The score remained 7-0. The game changed from the point on. All the momentum the Jets built was gone.

The Bengals would get a field goal on the next drive and a long touchdown catch by A.J. Green in the second quarter to score 10 unanswered points. When the Jets failed to score, it changed the whole tone of the game. They would’ve had a commanding 14-0 lead, the crowd was wild, and Andy Dalton and the Bengals were completely lost on both sides of the ball. But the Jets gave them a chance to hang in the game.

The Jets would recover some momentum. They would score 9 straight after the Bengals run, and would be up 16-13 at the half. But the Jets would be done in by their lack of production in the endzone. The Jets settled for three field goals in the second half. That is not how you win against the Bengals, a consistent playoffs contender. In order to beat tougher opponents, the Jets need to score touchdowns and not settle for field goals. They were third in the league in red zone efficiency last year, a stark contrast of how poorly they executed in the red zone yesterday.

Even though the Jets let one get away, there is time to recover. There are positive signs that came out of yesterday’s game.

First of all, the Jets competed with a very tough opponent. Everyone knows the Jets have the toughest start to the season. Out of their first six games, five opponents made the playoffs last year. This schedule is much tougher than last year. Even with a tough team, the Jets led for most of the game. And the strength of schedule is tough based on last year’s records. Football is a year-to-year sport and the dynamic can change rapidly. The teams that seem tough today might seem different when the Jets play them.

Secondly, all the units played had their moments and that’s an encouraging sign. The offense definitely had its downs in the redzone, but they moved the ball very well up and down the field. Matt Forte had a sensational debut, racking up a 96 yards rushing and 59 yards receiving. Enunwa is coming into his own, and might be the third threat the Jets been searching for after Marshall and Decker.

The defense was faster and recorded seven sacks. The Jets defensive line might be the best in football. Dalton was on his heels for most of the afternoon. And even with the secondary getting burned on some huge plays, the defense played very good. And this unit should get better as the year goes on because it’s the younger part of the team.

Even the special teams showed signs of life yesterday. Undrafted rookie Jalin Marshall gave the Jets a return game that has been non-existent for the Jets for a long time. It was amazing to see the Jet offense starting with good field position on kickoffs and punts.

The Jets blew a chance at winning a statement game on opening day. It could have put them in discussion for being one of the top teams in the AFC. However, in football, any team can lose on any given Sunday. The Jets need to focus on the Bills for Thursday night. It is a quick turnaround, but it just might be exactly what the doctor ordered. Head coach Todd Bowles needs to regroup his troops and prevent an 0-2 start, because if they lose on Thursday night to the Bills, then it might be time to panic.