There aren’t any ethical victories in sports activities.
However the Jets and their followers ought to really feel optimistic after their 34-32 Week 1 loss to the Steelers.
The duty doesn’t get any simpler this weekend when Gang Inexperienced hosts Buffalo at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Nonetheless, the Jets have crushed the Payments in two of their final three house video games within the sequence. So, don’t be shocked if this sport is one other one which comes all the way down to the wire.
Sunday’s sport is crucial for the Jets as a result of, following the Payments, they may journey to Florida in back-to-back weeks to play the Buccaneers and Dolphins.
Earlier than Week 2’s matchup, let’s open up the mailbag and reply a few of your questions.
Is that this model of Justin Fields capable of be replicated? — @xctgz
That is the million-dollar query after Fields’ very good sport in opposition to the Steelers. He accomplished 16-of-22 passes for 218 yards and a landing cross and completed with a complete QBR of 79.4. Fields additionally rushed for 48 yards and two TDs.
I’m going to belief that Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand goes to proceed to get essentially the most out of Fields on a week-to-week foundation. Fields was decisive and environment friendly in opposition to the Steelers, in contrast to what we noticed throughout coaching camp and the preseason.
Probably the most spectacular space of Fields’ efficiency in opposition to the Steelers was his pocket presence. He was cool, calm and picked up in opposition to the Pittsburgh entrance line, which included future Corridor of Famers T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward.
It was just one sport, and Fields may have his peaks and valleys this season, however the Jets imagine Fields may very well be the subsequent quarterback who revives his profession in a brand new place. After Sunday’s sport, I’m beginning to flip right into a believer myself.
Secure to say that Stephens will get much more leeway due to his contract than Gipson? If that’s the case, how a lot if his poor play continues? — @goessbo
Pretty much as good as Fields’ debut went for the Jets, it went in the other way for cornerback Brandon Stephens. He allowed 5 completions for 60 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets in opposition to the Steelers.
Stephens signed a three-year, $36 million contract in March, so clearly, they’ve loads invested within the former Raven. On Thursday, Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was fast to say Stephens had top-of-the-line coaching camps of anybody and the principle concern is “just really with his eyes.”
However Stephens’ head positioning was additionally an issue with the Ravens final season. He allowed the fifth-most receptions (65) within the NFL, and opposing quarterbacks had a 107.4 passer score when Stephens was in protection. With Sauce Gardner enjoying at a excessive degree, besides opposing groups to focus on Stephens early and infrequently this season.
If this continues to be a difficulty, the Jets could have to think about enjoying third-round choose Azareye’h Thomas extra. Nonetheless, I don’t anticipate that to occur within the subsequent few weeks.
Do you see the Jets making any strikes on the deadline for a WR2? — @NewEraNYJets
It relies on the place the Jets are record-wise on the commerce deadline (Nov. 4).
If Gang Inexperienced continues to be within the AFC wild card race, it’s potential, relying on who’s on the commerce block. Raiders wideout Jakobi Meyers has requested a commerce, however the workforce has no plans to maneuver on from him.
If the Jets have been to commerce for Meyers, they might additionally must pay him. He’s within the closing yr of a contract he signed in 2023.
One factor I do know is that this: The Jets can not simply depend on Garrett Wilson to create performs down the sphere. Out of Fields’ 16 completions, seven of them went to Wilson.
I anticipate opposing groups to start out double-teaming Wilson and drive one other receiver to beat them. Who that’s, stays to be seen.
Will the Jets do an in-season extension with John Simpson? — @Jetscap
Earlier than Alijah Vera-Tucker’s triceps harm, I believed it was potential. However now, I feel the Jets brass will play out the string with Simpson.
In the course of the offseason, Simpson handled a again concern that restricted him, however he was nonetheless capable of play 63 snaps and didn’t permit a sack in opposition to the Steelers.
At 28 years previous, the Jets could determine to go youthful. Or in the event that they do re-sign Simpson, it will be a low-risk two-year deal whereas additionally they search for his eventual successor.
What might bode effectively for a potential Simpson return is that Vera-Tucker can even be a free agent following the 2025 season. So the Jets could desire to search for one guard in free company and the draft as a substitute of each on the appropriate and left aspect.
