After 'messy' loss, Jets focused on bouncing back
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The game film pretty much confirmed what the New York Jets already thought of their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
''It was messy,'' quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said bluntly.
''It was an ugly game,'' added wide receiver Brandon Marshall. ''It wasn't good.''
Sure wasn't, and it knocked the surprising Jets (2-1) from the ranks of the unbeaten.
Interceptions, fumbles, missed tackles and sloppiness all played a role in the 24-17 defeat. It followed an impressive victory over the Indianapolis Colts that prompted fans and media to hype the Jets as a team to watch.
''We didn't lose this game because we thought we were better than we are,'' center Nick Mangold said. ''We lost because of execution.''
Or, lack thereof.
The Jets fell behind 24-0 in the second quarter, with an 89-yard punt return for a score by Darren Sproles sparking the previously winless Eagles.
Meanwhile, New York trudged through the first half with five three-and-outs in its first six drives.
''That's a recipe for disaster,'' Fitzpatrick said. ''It's such a slow start, trying to play from behind because of that all game.''
The Jets nearly came back, though, making a game of it by keeping the Eagles off the scoreboard for the final two quarters. But New York had trouble overcoming the absences of Eric Decker (sprained knee) and running back Chris Ivory (quadriceps) as Fitzpatrick struggled for the first time in his three starts.
He finished 35 of 58 for 283 yards and two touchdowns, but three second-half interceptions - even though two weren't entirely his fault - ended any hopes of a big comeback.
''The 58 attempts or whatever it was is too many,'' Fitzpatrick said. ''That's not our formula for success. There's a lot of things coming out of that game that we've got to be better at, and that starts with me.''
The quarterback was hardly the only problem, though.
The special teams unit fanned on at least four tackles on Sproles' big return. With Ivory out, the running game came to a screeching halt with just 47 yards rushing. And then there was also Brandon Marshall's ill-advised backward pass attempt - something he called ''the worst play in NFL history'' - that resulted in a fumble and led to Philadelphia's final touchdown.
Marshall replayed the play in his mind all night, saying the only positive thing was that it happened right near the Jets' sideline so he didn't have far to walk off the field. He said he had successfully tried a play like that three times during his career.
''Now, I think my record for the rest of my career is going to be 3-1,'' Marshall said. ''I'm never going to try that again.''
Coach Todd Bowles made a point of remaining understated following the Jets' first two victories, and he predictably maintained that approach after his first defeat as New York's coach.
''It's just as important not to overreact for a loss as it is to a win,'' he said. ''We didn't overreact to the two wins, we're not going to overreact to the one loss.''
Next up for the Jets is a trip to London to play the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Then, New York has a bye, so the focus is on bouncing back - even if it's overseas.
''I love the 1 o'clock game and getting home and eating food from the crockpot and doing all that, but I think it's exciting, too,'' Fitzpatrick said. ''I think guys think it's cool to go over there. It will be a unique experience for all of us and hopefully bring the team together even more.''
The Jets brought in a sleep specialist to help get the players bodies' prepared for the five-hour time difference. They have to stay well-hydrated for the long flight, and need to watch their caffeine intake during the day so they can get to bed earlier than usual leading up to the trip.
The team will practice at their facility on Wednesday and Thursday, and then leave for London on Thursday night.
''Just getting our bodies acclimated and everything with the time change will be interesting,'' Fitzpatrick said.
NOTES: The Jets claimed S Dion Bailey off waivers from Seattle and waived S Ronald Martin, who the Jets also got off waivers from the Seahawks before the start of the regular season. Bailey was let go by the Seahawks on Saturday after S Kam Chancellor ended his holdout.
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