The Jets’ offense was offensive in Las Vegas

NEW YORK (PIX11) – In what felt like a must-win game, the Jets lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 16-12 and dropped to 4-5 on the season.

Poor offensive line play, costly penalties, and a late interception contributed to the loss. The Jets’ playoff hopes are faint at best.

Gang Green has scored three touchdowns in the last five games – all by running back Breece Hall. So, when he crashed into the endzone at the start of the second quarter, the Jets appeared to be on their way.

But a holding penalty wiped out the score, leading to the third of four goals from kicker Greg Zuerlein. Zuerlein is the Jets’ best-scoring threat, which isn’t typical of playoff teams.

On a night when Aaron Rodgers told a reporter he might be able to return by mid-December, his backup and protege had the Jets in a position to pull out a fourth-quarter comeback. 

But on second and eight from the Raiders’ 20-yard line, Zach Wilson was intercepted by Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane with just over a minute to play. The Jets did get the ball back; Wilson’s Hail Mary pass as the clock ran out fell to the turf.  

Interim Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce won his second straight game.

So, what’s next? A trip to Buffalo before a home game with the Dolphins. The Jets could be looking at 4-7 by Thanksgiving. They could also be looking at a new starting quarterback.

Wilson played OK against the Raiders, throwing for 263 yards, but the offense is broken and in need of a spark. So even if Rodgers makes a remarkable comeback, will there be anything to come back to? 

Jets insider Dan Leberfeld gave his take on Wilson and the Jets offense on New York Sports Nation. Watch the video player for more on this story.