Jets coach Aaron Glenn admits clock management issues cost him the win in Miami

The New York Jets have dropped to a 2-5 record following a 28-25 loss to the previously winless Miami Dolphins. The defeat exposed recurring problems with clock management and play-calling that have defined head coach Aaron Glenn’s tenure. Glenn acknowledged these specific failures contributed to the loss in front of the home crowd in Miami.

Glenn’s Jets have been outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of the first half over the last two seasons. In this game, the Dolphins led 14-7 with 8:44 remaining in the second quarter. They started at their own 9-yard line and drove 91 yards on 15 plays. The drive concluded with a 2-yard touchdown run by Malik Willis with only 8:38 left on the clock, effectively ending the first half.

Glenn held onto all three of his timeouts during that sequence. He stated that he expected his defense to stop Miami and give the ball back to New York. In retrospect, he admitted he should have used the timeouts to control the pace. He explained that he feared Miami could negate the timeouts by converting first downs, which would allow them to run out the clock. The Dolphins did exactly that.

With six seconds left before halftime, quarterback Geno Smith took a knee. Fans booed loudly as the team entered the locker room. Glenn said the frustration is shared by the fans, players, and coaching staff. He emphasized that the team practices two-minute drills throughout the week but must improve execution. "We've just got to improve in our execution," Glenn said. "I have to improve on, on both sides, how we manufacture these things."

Rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. had a strong performance against Miami. He recorded five catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. This makes him the third player in NFL history to achieve at least five receptions, 100 receiving yards, and a touchdown catch in two of his first three career games. Cooper noted that he and Smith are connecting well and feel they can continue to grow together.

Star wide receiver Garrett Wilson struggled to get the ball. His first target came in the third quarter, and he finished with two catches for 26 yards on three targets. Wilson displayed visible frustration on the sideline, an outburst Glenn described as overblown. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich also made questionable calls on first-and-goal at the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter. The Jets settled for a field goal after a series of negative plays, including a sack for a 12-yard loss.

Tight end Mason Taylor had a season-high five catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. was a surprise healthy inactive, with Glenn saying he would keep the details private. Defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat left the game with a knee injury. Running back Breece Hall and left guard Dylan Parham have missed four straight games due to quadriceps and knee issues, respectively.

Glenn’s record as Jets coach stands at 5-19, including a 0-8 mark against AFC East opponents. The team faces Las Vegas next Sunday. Glenn said the Jets are focusing on who is in the building and improving, despite the outside noise.