MINNEAPOLIS -- A few thoughts on the New York Jets' 30-24 loss in overtime to the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium:
What it means: The Jets (2-11) found a new way to lose, surrendering an 87-yard touchdown pass to Jarius Wright in overtime -- on a wide-receiver screen, of all things. Jaiquawn Jarrett missed a tackle, and Wright was off to the end zone. The misery continues for the cursed Jets. They gave a spirited effort, but they simply couldn't make enough plays to beat an utterly mediocre opponent. They were brutal in the red zone and gave away 14 points with two turnovers, undermining a decent performance on both sides of the ball. Yes, they're still playing hard for coach Rex Ryan, but it doesn't matter. This is a death march for Ryan & Co. They were swept by the NFC North. On the bright side, they're still in contention for a top-five draft pick.
Stock watch: Geno Smith -- DOWN and UP. He threw a pick-six on the game's first play, the worst start imaginable. It was the eighth pick-six of his career, three more than any quarterback over the past two seasons. Now we know why the Jets' coaches were so skittish last week about letting him throw. To his credit, Smith didn't fold after his disastrous start. Given a chance to throw (surprise!), he managed to put together a decent game, finishing 18-for-29 for 254 yards and a touchdown. He made a few nice plays with his legs, avoiding sacks. He showed his mettle, leading them to a tying field goal in the final minute of regulation. But quarterbacks are graded on whether they get their team in the end zone, and Smith did that only once. His inability to perform in the red zone was the difference in the game.
Red zone blues: The Jets went 0-for-5 inside the 20. That's bad offense. They were undermined by Chris Ivory's fumble at the goal line, a third-down sack and a drop by Jeff Cumberland in the end zone. Ivory's fumble was a killer because it ruined a fantastic 80-yard drive. It was his first lost fumble since 2010, his rookie year with the New Orleans Saints. You know things are rough when your most dependable players start messing up. On the bright side, Nick Folk capitalized on his chances, tying a career high with five field goals -- a nice rebound after last week's rough outing.
Game ball: In his return to Minnesota, wide receiver Percy Harvin was terrific. He scored on a 35-yard touchdown reception -- his first receiving touchdown since 2012 -- and finished with six catches for 124 yards. It was sweet redemption for Harvin -- who left in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury -- who was traded by the Vikings in 2013 after four turbulent seasons. Sheldon Richardson (three sacks) also had a big game, dropping Teddy Bridgewater for a safety.
Pryor back in the lineup: Playing for the future, even though he probably doesn't have one with the Jets, Ryan started No. 1 pick Calvin Pryor at safety, benching longtime starter Dawan Landry. It was a passing-the-torch moment. Landry ended up playing a little in the second half, but this was a clear youth-movement decision. Pryor, who lost his starting job four weeks ago after showing up late for multiple meetings, worked his way back after three games in rookie "timeout." Ryan used rotations at all four positions in the secondary, giving it a preseason feel. There was one major breakdown: Darrin Walls surrendered a 56-yard touchdown pass to Charles Johnson, who had a huge day.
What's ahead: This won't be pretty. The Jets stay on the road to face the Tennessee Titans (2-11) in a game that will impact the top five in next spring's draft. Chris Johnson returns to the scene of his past glory.
