The Jets dug themselves an early hole at MetLife Stadium against the Eagles, giving up 17 unanswered points to start the game, and wide receiver Brandon Marshall made things worse with an incredibly questionable play in the second quarter. Marshall caught a pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick on first-and-10, and was quickly surrounded by four different Eagles defenders. As Marshall was being tackled, he tries to pitch the ball backward a few yards to tight end Jeff Cumberland keep the play alive — but only manages to toss the ball off the mask of Connor Barwin.

Marshall’s lateral might be the most unnecessary play of the season, and an inconceivable decision from a 10-year NFL veteran. The Jets weren’t facing a do-or-die situation, and there was plenty of time on the clock — Marshall simply could have gone to the ground and given the Jets a new set of downs. Instead, he gifts the ball back to the Eagles immediately after Ryan Mathews caught a 23-yard touchdown pass.

Officials confirmed the call on the field, and the Eagles took over already up 17-0 on the road. Seven plays later, Darren Sproles reached the endzone on a one-yard rush to increase the Philadelphia lead to 23-0.

Marshall caught a touchdown just before halftime to help make amends for his error, but told Fox’s Pam Oliver that the lateral was the worst play … ever.