The New York Jets had a huge “New York Jets” moment in their loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Geno Smith delivered a beautiful strike to Jeremy Kerley for a touchdown that should have tied the game in the fourth quarter, but offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg called a timeout just before the snap to negate the play.
After the game, Mornhinweg expressed regret for the timeout call that eventually cost his team the game.
“First of all, I want to make it crystal clear (that) everything that goes on offensively is my responsibility, period,” Mornhinweg told reporters Monday, via ESPN New York. “I’ve got to do a better job of communicating and trusting ‘Big Geno.’ I’ve got to trust Geno to get everything fixed before the 40-second (play) clock. That’s the scenario. I was surprised the timeout was called.”
According to NFL rules, only the head coach is allowed to call a timeout. However, if the play clock is winding down, the side judge is allowed to grant one if he hears it from the sideline.
Head coach Rex Ryan’s headset was on the defensive channel during the play, so he couldn’t hear Mornhinweg calling for a timeout. So instead, defensive end Sheldon Richardson got the attention of the side judge, who granted the timeout.
“I think to Sheldon’s credit and to everybody’s credit really, we just want to win. I think you’re caught up in it, and if you think you can help, you react like that,” Ryan said.
Photo via Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports Images
