Tim Boyle is getting another chance to lead the New York Jets’ offense.
And Aaron Rodgers is back in the facility on a regular basis - pondering and working toward his return to the field.
The entire team certainly could use a spark - or at least some sliver of optimism - after a dark Black Friday performance.
The Jets lost their fourth straight, 34-13 to the Miami Dolphins, with the lasting image being Jevon Holland intercepting and returning Boyle’s failed Hail Mary throw 99 yards for a touchdown at the end of the first half.
“Just a very unfortunate event that took place,” coach Robert Saleh said Saturday.
That has been a recurring theme for the Jets (4-7) since Rodgers went down with a torn left Achilles tendon just four snaps into his debut with the team.
Zach Wilson was ineffective and, at times, downright bad in nine starts. So the Jets turned to Boyle, who was 27 of 38 for 179 yards and a TD with two interceptions in his first start since the 2021 season. He was sacked seven times and threw only four passes of 10 yards or more.
He’ll be under center again for New York’s next game at home against Atlanta on Dec. 3. The Jets also have backup Trevor Siemian on the roster.
“We’re giving Timmy another shot to roll next week,” Saleh said. “Obviously, there’s things that he could have done better, there’s things that he had no control over and I know he battled out there.
“We were able to get to certain calls that we were hoping to. We were able to execute a lot of the different things that we wanted to execute. It just didn’t come to full fruition.”
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s unit is still struggling with just 10 touchdowns in 11 games, and its conversion rates on third down (24.1%) and in the red zone (28%) are still on pace to be the worst in NFL history.
The Jets have made a few personnel and schematic changes, but Hackett remains the primary play-caller. There have been few, if any, improvements the last few weeks.
Even the usually reliable Breece Hall has slumped lately. He has rushed for just 56 yards on 30 carries in his last three games.
Meanwhile, Rodgers - who turns 40 on Dec. 2 - continues to rehabilitate and provide some hope he can make an unprecedented quick return sometime in the next six weeks.
“When we get a doctor’s note that says he’s cleared,” Saleh said, “he’ll be cleared for practice.”
But by then, it could mean little to salvaging this season.
WHAT’S WORKING
The coaching staff, which is huddled up trying to solve the team’s struggles. Players are disappointed and it’s on Saleh and his coaches to prevent fracturing in the locker room.
“We have to reconnect to each individual style of play,” Saleh said. “Coaches need to come up with a game plan that gets these guys in a position to showcase that style. … The frustration that’s building does nobody any good.”
WHAT NEEDS HELP
The offensive line. Injuries have resulted in New York having eight starting combinations, including in each of the last six games. That has been a major factor in the offense’s struggles this season.
“Just looking for continuity,” Saleh said. “Whether it’s the five that we had yesterday or the five that we might have next week, you just want to get consecutive weeks to where our guys have a chance to go compete and learn each other with regard to nuance.”
STOCK UP
S Ashtyn Davis. The backup defensive back has played mostly special teams throughout his four-year career, but has seen more snaps on defense lately and has been making plays as one of the Jets’ most improved players. Davis had a fumble recovery, a pass defensed and two tackles Friday after having an interception against Buffalo last Sunday.
STOCK DOWN
WR Allen Lazard. The veteran receiver was a healthy scratch Friday, the latest turn in a disappointing first season with the Jets. Lazard, who signed a four-year, $44 million contract with New York in the offseason, has been plagued by drops (five) and has just 20 catches for 290 yards and a touchdown this year.
INJURIES
CB Michael Carter II has missed two games with a hamstring injury. The Jets will know more about his status for the next game when they resume practice next week. … LT Mekhi Becton sat out with an ankle injury, but Saleh expects him to be on track to return next week. Same for OT Duane Brown (hip), who just came off injured reserve, and OL Wes Schweitzer (calf), who’s eligible to return from IR next week.
KEY NUMBER
3 - The number of snaps on offense by former starting tight end C.J. Uzomah, who could be the next veteran to see the sideline.
NEXT STEPS
The Jets have a few days off before reconvening early next week to prepare for the Falcons.
“Take a deep breath, but on Monday, there’s a tell-the-truth moment that needs to happen and happens every week whether you win or lose,” Saleh said. “Being able to look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself whether or not you’re putting your best foot forward, and I challenge the coaches, too.”
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