The winless New York Jets take on the 2-1 Tennessee Titans at Metlife Stadium without Elijah Moore, Marcus Maye or Jeff Smith who will out with injuries. Meanwhile, wide receivers Denzel Mims and Jamison Crowder will be set to make their 2021 debuts in what the team hopes will hope for a better performance from the group as a whole. Where are the key matchups? Let’s take a look.
LB CJ Mosley vs RB Derrick Henry:
Nobody is stopping Henry on their own, but if the Jets D-line continues to make life difficult up front for opposing defensive lines, Mosley will be the key to making their job pay off. Henry is an absolute force up front who won’t be shut down, but if the game is going to be winnable for the Jets then they’ll need Mosley to come up big.
Jets D-Line vs QB Ryan Tannehill:
Once left for dead under the guidance of Peyton Manning’s former caddy Adam Gase, Tannehill has become one of the better passers in the NFL, throwing for 59 touchdowns to just 16 interceptions since joining the Titans. The Jets D-line will look to get pressure on Tannehill but have to stay disciplined and not allow any running lanes to open up where Tannehill can beat them with is legs.
WR Jamison Crowder vs CB Chris Jackson:
Crowder makes his 2021 debut and while Braxton Berrios has done a nice job filling in, Crowder is simply the better football player. Should Crowder see the targets that had previously been going to Berrios, he could be in for a big day against Jackson.
RG Greg Van Roten vs DL Jeffery Simmons:
Simmons has been a handful for offensive lines early on and Van Roten has struggled mightily in pass protection through the first three weeks of the season. If Van Roten is off again against Simmons, it will make for another long day for Zach Wilson.
Prediction:
The Jets offense didn’t manage a single trip to the red zone last week. Until they show signs of life, they don’t get the benefit of the doubt no matter who they’re playing. Titans win this one 20-10.