Jets continue to struggle

By Jonathan Solomon | Tuesday, November 15, 2005 | ( 0 )

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The New York Jets were unable to turn the tide this weekend and continued their nosedive of a 2005 season. The Carolina Panthers manhandled the Jets to the tune of 30-3. Brooks Bollinger got the start this week and showed exactly why he's a fourth string quarterback. Meanwhile, the Panthers continued to be one of the hottest teams in the NFL and a serious Super Bowl contender in the NFC.

Brooks Bollinger threw four interceptions and completed 11-of-21 passes for just 98 yards. Curtis Martin rushed the ball 19 times for 75 yards and fumbled for the first time in over two years. Back-up Cedric Houston rushed 10 times for 53 yards. The lead receiver for the Jets was Laveranues Coles, who only caught three passes for 30 yards.

The Panthers offense wasn't as electric as the score may indicate. Jake Delhomme completed 50% of his 20 attempted passes for 119 yards, a touchdown and a pair of interceptions. The Jets defense proved again to be the backbone of the Jets and they won't go down without a fight.

Stephen Davis rushed the ball 27 times for 81 yards and a score. Panthers kicker John Kasay nailed three successful field goals, the longest being 42-yards. The Panthers defense was able to create a lot of turnovers and Will Witherspoon even returned one for a touchdown. Ken Lucas had two interceptions, while Witherspoon and Chris Gamble each had one.

The New York Jets defense didn't sit back casually. Ty Law and Erik Coleman each had an interception but they received no support from the offense or special teams. Rookie returner Justin Miller returned to his old ways when he fumbled during a kick-off return.

Brooks Bollinger clearly looks like he is uncomfortable in the pocket and if you were in his shoes, you'd be too. Curtis Martin has not been able to continue playing like the ageless wonder he appeared to be in recent years. Talk of finding a replacement has begun around New York fans and the media. Expect that to only grow louder as the season comes to its conclusion. The Jets have suffered just too many injuries to key players to win many games this year. Right tackle Jason Fabini tore his pectoral muscle and will be out for the rest of the season.

The New York Jets' schedule doesn't get much easier as they will travel across the country this week to play the Denver Broncos. They'll return home to play the New Orleans Saints before heading out to New England for the first of two match-ups with the division foe. Still, with such a battered team, the Jets will be lucky to win a pair of games down the stretch.

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