Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New York Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton (center right) talks with defensive end Jalyn Holmes (97) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The Jets vs Titans kick off at 1pm in Tennessee and there are a few things worth touching on as the injury report may be cause for concern, we could see an expanded role for a key offensive player and how can the defense get a boost?
Keep an eye on gimpy Rodgers:
Something we that stood out more on the All 22 than in did on the live feed was how little mobility quarterback Aaron Rodgers had in week 1. You could see it on the broadcast, but seeing him limp away from handoffs on the All 22 end zone view drove the point home. If we saw it, the Titans saw it. If the Titans saw it, they should be sending the house.
Look for Tennessee to get after Rodgers behind defensive tackles Jeffery Simmons and rookie T’Vondre Sweat. Right up the gut, quickest path the the quarterback.
If the Jets can’t slow it down, it could be a long day for Rodgers.
Look for the Jets to use quick hitters and outside tosses to slow it down. Malachi Corley, anyone?
Where’s the beef?
The Jets run defense was the biggest problem the team had to deal with in week 1 as the 49ers were able to gash Gang Green up the middle all day. With Leki Fotu out with an injury and the departures of John Franklin-Myers, Quinton Jefferson and Al Woods, the Jets are going to have to find a way to fix the middle of their D-line. Don’t expect this to be an area where rookie tackle Leonard Taylor will step in and have an impact if called upon. Increased reps for Jalyn Holmes may be a good place to start.
Cornerback depth:
Who will be inactive? Rich Cimini of ESPN put out his inactive predictions last night and one name that jumped out at us was cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse. With DJ Reed (knee) and Michael Carter (ankle) being a bit gimpy, we’d expect JBC to be active. If Reed can’t go, expect Brandin Echols to start in his place. If Reed can’t go and Carter is slowed due to his injury, Echols would be the one to go to the nickel spot and they may want JBC as an option on the boundary or just for an extra body on a banged up unit.
Alijah Vera-Tucker getting the rust off:
The oft-injured Vera-Tucker missed twelve games last season and there were times when it showed in week one. Expect a better performance from the former first-round pick as the Jets look to get their run game going.
Fixing the stagnant offense:
Offense has to be more explosive. As pointed out by our very own Dylan Tereman of JetNation Radio, the Jets had just four explosive plays against the 49ers. That number should be much higher with the personnel the Jets have at their disposal.
Mike Check:
As was the case with most of the offense last week, wide receiver Mike Williams was invisible. However, playing just nine snaps will do that. Head coach Robert Saleh said his limit was going to be fifteen if the Jets had run more plays. With week two here, the head coach said his max is going to go up from fifteen, so expect to see Williams’ snaps double.
Without Haason, pass rush was off:
While some feel the Jets may have “no choice” but to deal disgruntled holdout Haason Reddick, where they do have no choice is to move forward without him. The Jets got virtually nothing out of their pass rushers in week 1 and need somebody to step up against Will Levis this week.
All in on Allen?
Allen Lazard had his best game as a Jet last week as he found the end zone twice on six receptions for 89 yards. With Garrett Wilson going head-to-head with Ladarius Sneed and Mike Williams limited, the Jets may need another strong outing from Lazard.