Final Score: Panthers 19, Jets 14

In the Jets’ 2021 season opener, on a hot and humid mid-September afternoon in Charlotte, North Carolina, the New York Jets got the Robert Saleh era off to a rough start as they were beaten by the Carolina Panthers, 19 – 14.

In the first half the Panthers dominated the action as the young Jets team looked uncomfortable. Sam Darnold threw a 57 yard touchdown pass to Robby Anderson and ran in another touchdown on a quarterback draw. The Jets couldn’t keep the Carolina pass rush off of Zach Wilson and the Jets offense went nowhere the entire first half. The result was a 16 – 0 halftime deficit for the Jets that could have been a lot worse.

In the third quarter the Jets defense started to get going and they pitched a shutout for the quarter. The Jets offense also began to show some life as Zach Wilson threw a touchdown pass to Corey Davis and ran in the two point conversion to pull the Jets within a single score at 16 – 8.

In the fourth quarter the Panthers quickly responded with a field goal and took a 19 – 8 lead. Zach Wilson responded by leading the Jets on an impressive 93 yard drive culminating in a touchdown pass to Corey Davis to pull within 5 points with just under two minutes to play. That was as close as the Jets would get, as the Panthers proceeded to run out the clock on the ground for a 19 – 14 opening day victory.

With the loss the Jets start off the Robert Saleh era as they ended the Adam Gase era, on the short end of the score. The Jets go to 0 – 1 on the year.

John will provide a more in depth recap of today’s game. In the meantime leave your comments on the game below.