Jets at Titans: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 2

#Jets at #Titans: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 2:

The New York Jets will visit the Tennessee Titans in their upcoming Week 2 matchup.

Even with it being big early season AFC clash, it will still be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Jets (0-1) at Titans (0-1) matchup:

WR Allen Lazard vs. CB Chidobe Awuzie

(USAT)

Despite the Jets’ season-opening loss being pretty poor all around on offense despite starting the game with a touchdown, the Lazard connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers was evident throughout the game. The peak moment was the touchdown catch Lazard had from Rodgers.

With L’Jarius Sneed likely covering Garrett Wilson, Lazard will be tasked with beating Awuzie. Pro Football Focus gave Awuzie a solid 67.1 grade for his work in Week 1.

OL Joe Tippmann vs. DT Jeffery Simmons

(USAT)

Perhaps the biggest key to getting the Jets offense moving is establishing a running game. That will give Rodgers space to work.

Simmons has long been one of the NFL’s top interior defenders. Tippmann, along with guards John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker will need to keep him away from running back Breece Hall.

LB CJ Mosley vs. RB Tony Pollard

(USAT)

The Titans had a great game rushing the ball in Week 1 despite a loss to the Chicago Bears. Tennessee had 140 rushing yards as a team, 82 of those coming from Pollard.

On the flip side, as an entire defense the Jets have to improve against an opponent’s’ ground game. Mosley can’t do that all on his own, but as the quarterback of the New York defense, he has to do all he can to lead that side of the ball.

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Jets’ Allen Lazard has very candid reason for what’s different for him in 2024

#Jets’ Allen Lazard has very candid reason for what’s different for him in 2024:

Allen Lazard was acquired by the New York Jets, in part, because of his relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

That was put on display on the field during the Jets’ season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, 32-19, as the two connected for a touchdown.

Off the field, their relationship has shined as well.

Both showed a similar sense of dry humor when discussing each other this week after the loss–More Rodgers, but Lazard too.

The QB broke down Lazard’s efforts in Week 1. He was positive about his receiver… after a cheek.

“Well he should have caught the stick to start the game,” Rodgers joked via video conference. “He played really good.”

Rodgersnoted how Lazard had a heads up effort on their touchdown connection as well.

“Great adjustment on the free play,” Rodgers added. “Really proud of Allen. That’s what I expect of him.”

Lazard’s breakdown of Rodgers was much more candid.

The wideout was asked what’s different from 2023 to 2024 for him and the Jets. A simple answer followed.

“Aaron Rodgers,” Lazard said.

For more from both Rodgers and Lazard, see the attached SNY clips below:

https://twitter.com/snyjets/status/1833916149764931820

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Aaron Rodgers throws first touchdown pass for Jets vs. 49ers

Rodgers got one:

Aaron Rodgers is finally on the board with the New York Jets.

There is still plenty of work for Gang Green to do against the San Francisco 49ers, but what has been long in the making has happened. Rodgers has his first touchdown pass for the Jets.

On a free play thanks to a penalty, Rodgers did what he does best. The 40-year-old made use of a flag thrown and connected with wide receiver Allen Lazard down the middle of the field for his first score with the team.

The TD brought the game to a 26-12 lead for the Niners, but New York failed to convert a two-point conversion.

Check out the score below:

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Examining the New York Jets receiving corps

After Garrett Wilson, is there any value to be found here?

The Titanic. The Hindenburg. The 2023 New York Jets. It’s fair to ask which of these events were the biggest disaster, but make no mistake, they all qualify for that designation. Amid massive hype, which included a turn on HBO’s Hard Knocks and a schedule loaded with primetime games, the Jets saw their season go up in flames after just four snaps when quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon.

Sans Rodgers, the Jets trotted out the lackluster trio of QBs Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian. None return. Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick, was traded to the Denver Broncos before the draft. Boyle was waived last year and is currently on the Houston Texans. Siemian remains unsigned. Veteran Tyrod Taylor now sits behind Rodgers on the depth chart.

While the quarterback situation makes it tough to read much into last year’s numbers, the struggles of wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb convinced the team more was needed at the position. To that end, the club signed Mike Williams (Los Angeles Chargers) and drafted Malachi Corley. With Rodgers back under center, let’s look at what we can expect from the Jets receivers in 2024.

Jets Week 18 inactives: Allen Lazard healthy scratch for second time this season

For the second time this season, wide receiver Allen Lazard is a healthy scratch.

The Jets have announced their final set of inactives for the 2023 season ahead of their season finale against the New England Patriots.

Among the inactives is wide receiver Allen Lazard, a healthy scratch for the second time this season. Not what the Jets were hoping for after signing him to a four-year, $44 million contract with $22 million guaranteed during free agency.

Also inactive is Carl Lawson, wrapping up what became a lost season for the veteran. After taking a pay cut before the season, Lawson ends up being inactive for 11 of the 17 games this season. He’s set to become a free agent in March.

The full list of inactives for Week 18 for the Jets:

WR Allen Lazard
QB Aaron Rodgers
OL Austin Deculus
DL Carl Lawson
CB Bryce Hall
LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
K Austin Seibert

6 reasons Jets missed the playoffs in 2023

6 reasons Jets missed the playoffs in 2023

The Jets had very faint playoff hopes entering Week 15. They were still mathematically alive. But a 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins was a prophetic way for the Jets to officially be eliminated from playoff contention.

Several factors that led to yet another disappointing season for the New York Jets, one that will end with their eighth straight losing season and 13th straight without a postseason appearance. Here are just a few of the reasons why the Jets will once again be watching the playoffs from home.

Jets Week 15 snap counts: Playing time breakdown from loss vs. Dolphins

Jets Week 15 snap counts: Playing time breakdown from loss vs. Dolphins

Week 15 was a nightmare for the New York Jets. The team looked flat and out-coached, ultimately getting shut out 30-0 and seeing their playoff hopes officially end. Injuries once again took a toll on the Jets, particularly at the quarterback position. The Jets also emptied their bench late in the game with the game out of reach.

We’ll take a look at the snap counts from Sunday’s game to see how the snaps were distributed in what became the last meaningful game of the season for the Jets.

Jets react to ‘good ol’ (expletive) whooping’ dealt by Dolphins

Jets players and coaches react to the nightmare that was Week 15’s 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

There are no two ways about it: the Jets got ripped big time by the Miami Dolphins in Week 15, losing 30-0 and watching their playoff hopes officially end after wins by the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. The players were embarrassed and rightfully so. The offense had no juice and the defense struggled mostly all day, save for a few plays here and there.

After the game, some players spoke with the media and expressed their frustrations with not only the game but the way the season has gone, a season that began with immense promise that will end without a playoff appearance for the 13th consecutive season.

Here are some of the Jets’ reactions following Sunday’s nightmare.

Jets Week 14 snap counts: Playing time breakdown from win vs. Texans

A look at how the snaps were distributed from the Jets’ Week 14 win against the Houston Texans.

The Jets needed a win not only to keep their season alive but also to build back morale after what had to be a very stressful week at the office. New York snapped a five-game losing streak firmly with a 30-6 win over the Houston Texans.

Because the Jets were up comfortably, they were able to empty the bench and get other players some snaps late in the game, a luxury the Jets haven’t been afforded much lately. We’ll take a look at how the snaps were distributed on offense and defense from Week 14.

Robert Saleh says Allen Lazard will be active Week 13

Robert Saleh says Allen Lazard will be active Week 13

Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard will be active for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, per head coach Robert Saleh Wednesday.

Lazard was inactive for Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins, not even knowing he would be benched until Wednesday. This just 11 games after signing a four-year, $44 million contract this offseason, including $22 million guaranteed.

Lazard has caught just 20 passes for 290 yards this season, both fourth in the team behind Garrett Wilson, Tyler Conklin and Breece Hall. Saleh said Lazard wasn’t playing up to standards which led to his benching, a decision that caught Lazard off-guard. Lazard did come to terms with the benching.

“After talking to [Saleh], I can see his reasoning for art and everything,” Lazard said. “It is what it is. Gotta continue just working to get better and keep improving.”

Lazard being out meant more snaps for undrafted rookies Jason Brownlee and Xavier Gipson. Brownlee played all but one snap against the Dolphins (57/58); Gipson played 42 out of 58.

The Jets started touting a youth movement on offense. Sunday will be another look into that movement with Lazard coming back into the lineup. The Jets are looking for kind of spark they can find on offense as they try to keep their very faint playoff hopes alive and give Aaron Rodgers, who had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, a reason to return to action.