SAN DIEGO -- A few thoughts on the New York Jets' 31-0 loss to the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium:
What it means: The Jets (1-4) hit the low point of the Rex Ryan era, losing their fourth straight -- the first four-game losing streak in five-plus years under Ryan. Unlike the previous three losses, the Jets were non-competitive from the outset, falling behind 21-0 at halftime after being outgained 306 yards to 60. The Chargers (4-1) are a good team, but this was an alarming performance by the Jets. It doesn't bode well for Ryan, who is officially on the (very) hot seat. He'd have to win seven of the final 11 games to finish .500 for the second straight year, and that's not happening with this roster.
Stock report: Geno Smith, say hello to rock bottom. Smith was benched after a brutal first half in which he completed only 4 of 12 passes for 27 yards and a 7.6 passer rating. It had to be done; there was nothing to lose. Make no mistake, this wasn't all his fault, but Ryan had to try something with the season slipping away. The receivers, sans Eric Decker (hamstring), couldn't get open. The pass protection stunk. Michael Vick was no better, going 4-for-12 for 27 yards and an interception, but what did you expect? This isn't 2004. Who starts next week? It really doesn't matter. This was so bad that the Jets didn't cross midfield until 7½ minutes remained in the game. How does that happen in the NFL?
Shame on the defense: The Jets turned Branden Oliver, a fourth-string running back, into a folk hero. Oliver, who replaced Donald Brown (concussion), compiled 182 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. The low point was a 53-yard pass play in which they left Oliver wide open in the right flat; the closest defender was in La Jolla. Philip Rivers slipped out of a sack and lobbed it to Oliver, who rambled upfield to set up his own touchdown, a 15-yard reception. The play symbolized the Jets' season -- a near-big play that turned into a disaster. Rookie safety Calvin Pryor, whom the Jets drafted for his tackling, whiffed on both plays. The Jets' pride and joy -- their run defense -- allowed 162 rushing yards to a team that had averaged only 69.5 per game. Embarrassing.
Lack of focus: That players-only meeting Monday didn't help the offense. It committed dumb penalties, dropped passes, lost a fumble by Chris Johnson and, in general, showed no cohesion. They never gave the running game a real chance, and it just snowballed. Defensively, this may have been the worst performance of the Ryan era. There were blown coverages and horrendous tackling. The Jets pride themselves on being physical. Ha! The Chargers pushed them around and stole their lunch money.
Game ball: We're reaching for a positive here, but fill-in cornerback Phillip Adams recorded the Jets' first interception of the season. Heck of a catch, too. He had replaced Darrin Walls (knee), who was torched early and didn't return. Moments later, the Jets gave it back on Johnson's fumble. Typical.
What's ahead: The Jets return home to face Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos (3-1). It could get ugly.
