Punt, punt, punt, turnover, punt. It’s a less than ideal way to start a game, but that’s how the New York Jets’ first half against the Indianapolis Colts started in Week 11.
The Jets’ offense failed early and often, failing to record a first down on any of their first five drives, going three-and-out on every drive except for the turnover on downs, in which the team failed. convert a fourth and -1 attempt. It’s the first time since 2005 (against the New England Patriots) that the Jets failed to convert a first down on their first five possessions.
It’s been a while since New York had this much trouble in the first half. In fact, for a long time, 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers was just a rookie.
The Jets, however, avoided being on the wrong side of the history books with no first downs in an entire half, as they did nearly 20 years ago. Instead, they finally got their first first down of the game with 1:30 left in the second quarter.
Down 13-0 at the time, the Jets moved the chains a few more times in that series. They went 76 yards in seven plays to get on the board and make the score 13-7 at halftime.
The Jets have only three total first downs (two passing and one rushing) through two quarters and are 1 of 6 on third down attempts. Rodgers is 9 of 13 for 76 passing yards, one touchdown and has been sacked once.
Both teams need a win if they are to have any chance of salvaging their season, with New York at 3-7 heading into Week 11 and the Colts at 4-6.
