Defense Holds QB Lamar Jackson, Ravens to Lowest First-Half Yardage This Season
The Jets defense turned in a solid performance Sunday, limiting a typically explosive Ravens offense to 241 total yards. The Ravens were also held to their fewest net yards in the first half of a game this season (72).
"Really that [was] following our scheme, doing our job," LB Quincy Williams said. "We talked during the week about trust. ... And I felt like coming out, we trusted each other and we got the game plan done."
In the first half, Jackson completed 6-of-11 passes for 59 yards and RB Derrick Henry rushed for just 14 yards. Jowon Briggs also sacked Jackson for a 10-yard loss.
While Baltimore was able to sustain a few more drives and put points on the board in the second half, Jackson's 153 total passing yards were his fewest when playing a full game this season. Jackson also picked up just 11 yards on the ground, his second-lowest mark this season.
"I think we just had a great game plan as far as limiting him in the run game and in explosives," CB Brandon Stephens said. "I think, up front, they did a good job with that."
HC Aaron Glenn Continues to Stress Mental Toughness
HC Aaron Glenn has spoken throughout the season about developing mental toughness that will help the team prevail in close games. The Jets held a 7-3 halftime lead in Baltimore but were unable to hold off the Ravens in the second half.
"I've been talking about mental toughness with this team for a while and I know for a fact that we have grown in that aspect, but we have to continue to look at that and understand how to close out games or how to finish games, especially when we've got a team in a situation where we actually want them," Glenn said. "Baltimore, I thought they did a really good job in that second half being exactly who they were. That's when they usually turn it on, and we didn't respond as well as we should have."
Despite a 2-9 record, the Jets have hung around until late in several games this season. Players and coaches have spoken about being a few plays away from different outcomes, and making those plays will be a priority in the final 6 games of the season.
"I wish I had a clear-cut answer for that," C Josh Myers said of how to finish games late. "But all I know is we're going to keep swinging as hard as we can and eventually, we're going to get over it. I have faith in that and I know everyone else does, too. I think we can all see what's there. We're going to find a way."