Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) talks with wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets will take on the Minnesota Vikings tomorrow morning in London in a game that should feature cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed in a big way. These should be some high end matchups with several elite players going head to head. For the Jets, their secondary will be key in slowing down a red hot Sam Darnold. The top matchups?
CB’s Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed vs WR’s Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison:
It’s the two-time All-Pro cornerback vs the top wide receiver in the NFL when Sauce Gardner squares off against Jefferson. That meeting alone could be worth the price of admission.
DJ Reed had one of his best games as a Jet last week against the Broncos when he was targeted six time and allowed 1 reception for minus-4 yards.
The Jets top two corners against the Vikes two best pass catchers could very well dictate the outcome in this one.
Don’t sleep on Jalen Nailor either. The young Minnesota wideout as 3 touchdowns early on as he’s been taking full advantage of extra targets with Addison having missed time. Busy day for Michael Carter too.
RB Breece Hall vs LB Blake Cashman:
After a failed injury-plagued stint with the Jets out of college, Cashman has gone on to become a very good all-around ‘backer.
Given how aggressive the Vikings are on defense, Aaron Rodgers should be looking to find Hall through the air out of the backfield. Cashman’s ability to cover is what makes him so good. Currently PFF’s 8th ranked coverage linebacker with at least 100 coverage snaps, look for Cashman to follow Hall in key spots.
DE Will McDonald vs OT Christian Darrisaw:
McDonald leads the Jets with five sacks but was shut out last week. Darrisaw, one of the best tackles in the NFL, will look to neutralize Gang Green’s top pass rusher.
WR Garrett Wilson vs CB Byron Murphy:
This could be a “get right” game for the struggling Wilson. On pace for a career low 812 yards this season, Wilson faces a cornerback who gave up 12 catches on 15 targets for 143 yards against Green Bay last week. Given how often Minnesota likes to blitz, expect Wilson to see a few more 1-on-1 matchups that he has grown accustomed to this season. Will he and Rodgers take advantage?
DT Quinnen Williams vs LG Blake Brandel:
Williams’ impact has been minimal so far this season, managing just nine tackles and a sack through four games. He tends to spend most of his time at right defensive tackle where he should see his fair share of Brandel.
With the way Sam Darnold has been picking apart opposing defenses, getting pressure will be key. That’s where Williams comes in. Or so the Jets hope.
QB Aaron Rodgers vs DC Brian Flores:
Rather than highlight key jets offensive linemen against any Vikings linemen, we’re putting the focus on the two guys who will be calling the shots. Rodgers, who is the Jets de facto offensive coordinator, will be facing off against an uber aggressive Flores.
The Vikings blitz on over forty-percent of their defensive plays this season and you can bet they saw the Broncos beat Rodgers up last week (14 QB hits, 5 sacks) and will hope to do the same today.
Rodgers may have a tough time making it through this one.
LB’s Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams vs RB Aaron Jones:
The Vikings do a good job in making big plays in the screen game where Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams will be patrolling underneath.
Prediction:
Vikings 31
Jets 20