THE Jets lost their first game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers32-19, a defeat that probably humiliated them because it wasn’t really that close.
This week they face a less established opponent in the Tennessee Titans and we will be desperate not to fall to 0-2.
Here are the biggest stories to watch as the Jets look to bounce back…
Which playmakers will assert themselves in attack?
One of the features of Monday night’s game was that, until the end of the third quarter, Breece Room And Garrett Wilson were the only Jets playmakers to touch the ball on offense. New York must look to get more players involved this week.
Allen Lazard He actually led the Jets with 89 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions, though most of those gains came in tough times. Those numbers represent the best numbers he’s posted since signing with the Jets, but can he do it again when it counts?
Other players the Jets will want to see more play include tight ends. Tyler Conklin And Jeremy Ruckert and wide receiver Xavier Gipson. The trio caught just one pass between them on Monday night. It remains to be seen whether Mike Williams is physically ready to play a bigger role or whether they will look to recruit new recruits Braelon Allen And Malachi Corley involved in the game plan.
A game of revenge for Jamal Adams
After the latest in a long line of injuries, former Jets safety Jamal Adams looks set to make his Titans debut this week after spending the last four seasons at SeattleAlthough he left the Jets more than four years ago, it’s clear he’d still like to get the upper hand on them.
Adams has played in just 10 games since 2021 and hasn’t recorded a sack in his last 24 games. His last was in December 2020, one game after his last meeting with the Jets and his sack in a 40-3 loss. The Seahawks turn off.
If Adams sees action and is less than 100 percent, that could create the kind of coverage mismatch that Aaron Rodgers will seek to exploit.
Can the Jets rock the crowds? Will Levis?
The Titans have decent pass-catching talent with DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Boyd, And Calvin Ridley all the starters. However, the quarterback Will Levis The Cardinals had an erratic game on Sunday and failed to get them involved enough, eventually racking up 76 yards on seven receptions.
Levis keeps the ball much longer than Brock Purdy That’s usually the case, so the Jets’ pass rush will have a better chance of succeeding this week. The Jets’ pass rushers will be pleased with their chances of generating consistent pressure against a young offensive line.
Although Levis was only tackled three times against the Bears, he also threw two interceptions and fumbled a ball. Titans The Bears squandered a 17-0 lead and were shut out in the second half. Levis’ second interception was returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to help secure the Bears’ victory.
Will New York show any improvement against the run?
The 49ers dominated the time of possession and scored on eight straight possessions Monday night, and the main reason for that was their running game. Jordan Mason accumulated nearly 150 yards rushing as an injury replacement Christian McCaffrey.
The Titans also had some success on the ground in Week 1, as they totaled 140 yards, including 82 for Tony Pollardwho averaged more than five yards per carry.
New York needs to do a better job, not just on offense, but also in terms of lane discipline down the back seven. The linebackers and defense need to be more efficient at rallying to the ball without getting stymied on cutbacks due to excessive aggression.
Will the short week disrupt the Jets’ preparation?
The Titans have one more day to prepare than the Jets, given that the Jets played Monday night. At this early point in the season, that could be a tangible advantage for Tennessee, as it appeared after Week 1 that both teams have plenty of work to do.
One positive from Monday’s game is that there don’t appear to be any injuries to Jets players that could affect their availability for Sunday. DJ Reed And Michael Carter II Both began the week with limited practice assignments, but head coach Robert Saleh I was hoping they would both play.
