We had a feeling the Jets would be pretty good on defense. Granted, there was nowhere to go but up from being the 32nd-ranked defense in the league a season ago.
But early on against the Ravens, the Jets have been excellent on defense. They look much more physical than a year ago and are showing some real promise. A good example was them making a huge stand in the red zone after a bad interception thrown by Joe Flacco. The Ravens had to settle for a 24-yard field goal by Justin Tucker.
The Jets have some hitters. Linebacker Kwon Alexander and safety Jordan Whitehead have been laying some wood thus far, including Whitehead forcing an incompletion on a third down against Ravens WR Rashod Bateman.
The one downside thus far was the touchdown to Ravens WR Devin Duvernay over Jets CB Bryce Hall. The Jets were in their dime package, and Hall was on Duvernay. Baltimore made New York pay. The drive also featured a pass-interference penalty against safety Lamarcus Joyner on Ravens WR Demarcus Robinson. Other than that, the Jets have been pretty good on defense.
Jackson is 10/16 for 83 yards and a touchdown. However, Baltimore has been held to just 11 yards on seven rushing attempts. Jackson leads with four yards.
It’s a good thing the defense has been good because the offense has been bad and that’s why the Jets are trailing, 10-3.
Sure, there were a few nice plays, especially from two rookies: WR Garrett Wilson showed some nice moves and RB Breece Hall had a good run in the second quarter. But just when it seemed like the offense was getting into a rhythm, something would happen to derail it. Including Greg Zuerlein missing his first field goal attempt as a Jet.
Let’s of course also not forget RB Michael Carter, who has 77 total yards so far. It’s early, but the Jets are already showing they can sport one of the best running back tandems in the league between Carter and Hall.
Joe Flacco had that rough aforementioned interception and hasn’t been able to get in much of a rhythm. But that hasn’t all been his fault. Flacco has been sacked twice, both by Justin Houston, both allowed by George Fant, who has struggled today. Maybe you can chalk that up to him not getting much time to prepare again at left tackle after spending most of the preseason at right tackle. Regardless, you hope for a better second half from Fant and more time for Flacco.
Flacco is 12/20 for 103 yards with an interception. Carter has 53 yards on eight carries, Hall has five carries for 21 yards. In the receiving game, Elijah Moore and Carter each have 24 yards receiving (Carter on three catches, Moore on one), Braxton Berrios with three catches for 22 yards, Corey Davis with 1-15, Garrett Wilson 1-9, Hall 2-9 and Tyler Conklin has one catch and a fumble.
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