BY NICK ST. DENIS
Third down is a big factor in determining the outcome of a football game. Turnovers are even bigger.
The New York Jets were on the wrong side of both in an embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills Sunday, and Jets coach Rex Ryan was quick to point it out after the game.
"You win on third down in this league," Ryan said, noting his offense's 2-for-11 conversion rate and the Bills offense's 8-for-19 tally. "... Obviously, those things can't happen for you to be successful."
The Jets' offensive line couldn't protect rookie quarterback Geno Smith, and in turn, Smith couldn't protect the football. Smith threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. One of the picks went for a touchdown, and the fumble gave the Bills the ball just outside the goal line.
"You turn it over four times, you're not gonna win any games," Ryan said.
Smith was benched in the fourth quarter in favor of Matt Simms, who threw a meaningless touchdown pass to make the score look slightly less awful for Gang Green.
Meanwhile, the Jets' soft defense let a guy named Chris Hogan catch three passes for three first downs, and rookie receiver Marquise Goodwin pitched in by catching six passes for 81 yards, contributing to the regular abuse of Jets rookie cornerback Dee Milliner.
Long story short, the Jets stunk.
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