Tag: Jets vs. Redskins

Adam Gase praises rookie CB Bless Austin’s strong start

Jets head coach Adam Gase has high praise for rookie cornerback Bless Austin, who missed the past 14 months recovering from an ACL injury.

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After being away from football for over a year, Jets rookie cornerback Bless Austin has jumped onto the scene with New York desperately thin at corner.

After an increasingly long layoff — 14 months without playing football — Austin’s dominant performances through his first two NFL games have caught the eye of many. That includes his head coach.

“He was driving us nuts on the scout team,” Adam Gase said following Thursday’s practice. “When you’re making receivers angry… you know he’s got something to him.”

Austin dons No. 31, the same number Antonio Cromartie did when he was a shutdown cornerback for the Jets. If Austin carves himself out a nice career like Cromartie, it would be a nice parting gift from Mike Maccagnan in his last draft.

Austin, who spent the first eight games on the Non-Football Injury list as he recovered from his second ACL surgery, has held up well in two starts. He has allowed only six catches for 59 yards as the closest defender, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

In his second NFL game, Sunday against the Redskins, Pro Football Focus graded him (77.2), the Jets’ best defensive player.

In a small sample size, Austin has proved himself a worthy candidate to watch down the stretch. If he can stay healthy, the Jets might have found themselves a second-round talent in the sixth-round.

The ACL injuries have taken a toll on Austin, but he’s emerging as a reliable cornerback when desperate times have called for desperate measures. On a whim, New York benched struggling CB Nate Hairston in favor of Austin in the midst of the Giants game. The Jets may never look back.

Jamal Adams predicts he’ll break defensive back sack record

Jets safety Jamal Adams believes he will break the NFL single-season sack record that’s currently held by former Cardinals S Adrian Wilson.

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Jamal Adams has always been a big believer in himself.

The safety always carries a chip on his shoulder and oozes confidence, so it’s no surprise that he said he will break the NFL single-season sack record for defensive backs.

“If you’re asking, am I going to beat the record? Yes, I will beat the record,” he told reporters after practice on Wednesday. “That’s something I will get.”

The Jets’ third-year safety is three sacks away from holding the NFL single-season record for most sacks by a defensive back. Two weeks ago, the feat didn’t seem possible. Now, he’s ready to blitz himself into the NFL record book.

The NFL record for most sacks by a defensive back in a single season is eight, set by former Cardinals S Adrian Wilson in 2005. Adams has six sacks with six games left to play.

Adams entered the Giants game two weeks ago as a disruptive force, but he only had one sack to his name. After two breathtaking performances, one earning him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, Adams is now five sacks richer.

He tallied three sacks in Week 11 after finishing Week 10 with nine tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery touchdown.

Gregg Williams has finally found the best use for Adams, deploying him as an edge rusher. Adams loves to blitz and he just might be the best pass-rusher on the team.

His infectious energy and ability to get after the quarterback is rubbing off on the rest of the team and has helped lead the Jets defense to two dominating performances over two NFC East foes.

“To me, it starts with the energy and the attitude,” Adam Gase said of Adams’ performances. “I mean, you feel him the whole game — the sideline, the field, he’s bringing everything he has. He’s just laying it all out there. Some of the plays he’s making, it’s very impressive to watch him play.”

USA TODAY NFL Power Rankings: Jets rise 2 spots following consecutive wins

Check out where the Jets stand in the latest edition of the USA TODAY NFL power rankings.

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After winning their second consecutive game in as many weeks, the Jets moved up two spots in the latest edition of USA TODAY’s NFL power rankings.

New York moved up from No. 29 to No. 27 after beating the Redskins, 34-17, Sunday. The Jets bounced back against the Giants with a much-needed win and carried their success over against NFC East foes this season, improving to 3-1 against the division on the season.

The Jets were able to make life difficult for Washington rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins. New York’s No. 1 ranked run defense kept the Redskins rushing attack in check while sacking Haskins six times on the afternoon.

New York saw career days from both Sam Darnold and Jamal Adams. Darnold threw a career-high four touchdown passes, while Adams sacked Haskins three times.

Behind Darnold, the Jets running back by committee trio rushed for over 100 yards. Sunday marked the first time this season that the Jets hit the century mark. At tight end, Ryan Griffin had the first 100-plus yard game from a Jets tight end since 2011.

As for the rest of the AFC East, the 7-3 Bills moved up two spots to No. 15 after beating the Dolphins, who fell one spot to No. 29. The Patriots stayed at No. 2 following a victory over the Eagles in Philadelphia.

Rounding out the top five are the Ravens at No. 1, the Patriots at No. 2, the Saints at No. 3, the Seahawks at No. 4 and the 49ers at No. 5.

Jets rookie power rankings: Bless Austin turns in 2nd straight standout performance

Jets Wire breaks down New York’s rookie class in the latest edition of the rookie power rankings series.

Bless Austin’s Week 10 performance against the Giants might not have been a fluke after all.

Austin had another solid performance in New York’s dominant win over the Redskins on Sunday. Washington’s passing attack sputtered throughout the afternoon, and Austin was a big reason why as he excelled in coverage all game.

There’s no doubt that Austin has been Gang Green’s best rookie performer for the past two weeks. What about New York’s other neophytes, though? Let’s take a look at where they stand in the latest edition of Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings.

No. 5: TE Trevon Wesco

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Last Week: No. 4

One week after recording the first catch of his career, Wesco couldn’t keep the good times rolling against the Redskins.

The West Virginia product did not appear in the box score against Washington. Ryan Griffin served as New York’s dominant tight end with five catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.

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5 interesting stats from Jets’ Week 11 win over Redskins

The Jets won their second consecutive game of the season, beating the Redskins 34-17 in a rather convincing fashion.

The Jets played their most complete game of the season on Sunday, beating the Redskins, 34-17.

After turning in a 34-27 win over their roommates to halt a three-game losing streak last week, the Jets delivered their first road win of the season in Washington, improving to 3-1 against the NFC East this season. Sam Darnold and Jamal Adams both had career days, while Adam Gase and Gregg Williams executed flawless gameplans despite deficiencies.

Let’s take a look at some interesting stats from Gang Green’s third win of the season.

Career Day for Griffin

(Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

Ryan Griffin had a career day, as he’s done an excellent job filling in for Chris Herndon, who is out for the season with broken ribs.

Griffin entered the day with a single-game career-high of 85 receiving yards. He recorded the first 100-yard receiving game of his career, catching five passes for 109 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s win.

Per Michael Nania, Griffin’s 109 receiving yards were the most by a Jets tight end since Dustin Keller posted 115 in Week 2 of 2010 against New England. Griffin’s 100-yard game is the first since Keller had 101 in Week 2 of 2011 against Jacksonville.

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Sam Darnold, Jamal Adams among Jets’ Studs & Duds in win over Redskins

The Jets continued their dominance against the NFC East this season, dismantling the Redskins, 34-17, and improving to 3-1 vs. the division.

The Jets continued their dominance against the NFC East this season, dismantling the Redskins, 34-17, and improving to 3-1 vs. the division.

New York’s defense made life for rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins nearly impossible, especially with Jamal Adams continuing his tear as the team’s best edge rusher. On the other side of the football, Sam Darnold threw a career-high four touchdown passes to give the Jets a commanding win.

For the Jets, it was another step in the right direction and the team’s second consecutive win. Here are the best and worst players from the Week 11 victory.

Stud: QB Sam Darnold

(Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

Ever since seeing ghosts, Sam Darnold has slowly returned to form.

The young quarterback always has at least one bad decision per game, but he got that out of the way early on his way to one of his best performances. Darnold threw a career-high four touchdown passes, going 19-30 for 293 yards and one interception.

The Jets offense looked the best it has all season under Darnold’s direction and went over the 400-yard threshold in a comfortable win.

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Jets vs. Redskins inactives: Le’Veon Bell will suit up against Washington

Jets vs. Redskins inactives for Week 11.

Le’Veon Bell is banged up and a bit under the weather, but that’s not enough to keep him off the field when the Jets take on the Redskins in Week 11.

After being listed as questionable throughout the week, Bell is active and will start for New York. Sunday also marks the return of Neville Hewitt, who has missed the last four games due to injury. Henry Anderson, Kelvin Beachum, Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Copeland and Alex Lewis are all set to play for the Jets after dealing with injuries in the days leading up to the game.

With Darryl Roberts missing his second consecutive game and Nate Hairston out, rookie Bless Austin will continue to assume an increased role in New York’s secondary following his standout NFL debut against the Giants last week.

As for the Redskins, they’ll be without running back Chris Thompson, wide receiver Paul Richardson Jr. and tight end Vernon Davis, who were all ruled out earlier in the week.

Jets vs. Redskins: Le’Veon Bell’s status among pregame storylines

Jets Wire breaks down New York vs. Washington with four pregame storylines.

The Jets will have a legitimate chance to make it two wins in a row when they hit the road to take on the Redskins on Sunday.

Washington has struggled to a 1-8 record so far in 2019, with its only win coming against the Dolphins over a month ago. It’s a winnable game for New York, but a lengthy injury report and general inconsistency make nothing a certainty for Gang Green.

With that being said, let’s take a look at some pregame storylines to keep an eye on with kickoff approaching.

Le’Veon Bell’s status

AP Photo/Steven Ryan

Could the Jets be without their star running back for the first time this season when they take on the Redskins?

Le’Veon Bell’s status for Sunday’s game is up in the air, as he is dealing with rib and knee injuries, as well as an illness. If Bell can’t go, Ty Montgomery and Bilal Powell will be tasked with leading New York’s rushing attack.

Even with Bell, the Jets have struggled to run the football in 2019 due to some underwhelming play in the trenches. If he can’t play against Washington, New York’s ground game will have a tough time taking flight in Week 11.

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Sure-handed Jamison Crowder has become Jets’ slot machine

Jets WR Jamison Crowder is tied for the seventh most catches without a drop in the NFL with 48.

The Washington Redskins allowed Jamison Crowder to walk in free agency. Now, as they prepare to face the Jets, they may be kicking themselves for allowing one of the league’s most productive slot receivers to go without much of a fight.

Crowder has been as reliable as they come in his first season with the Jets. He’s already one of Sam Darnold’s favorite receivers, and that may have something to do with how sure his hands are.

This season, Crowder is tied for the seventh-most catches without a drop in the NFL with 48, tied with Carolina’s Christian McCaffrey.

Crowder signed a three-year deal worth $28.5 million with the Jets and has quickly established himself as the team’s most reliable receiver. He leads the team in both receptions and yards with 42 and 486, respectively.

Before joining the Jets, he studied Adam Gase’s offenses and how he would fit that mold. He studied the coach’s history with slot receivers, going through tapes of Wes Welker and Jarvis Landry with the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins, respectively, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

For quite some time, the Jets have lacked a trustworthy receiver who can space the field like Crowder. Jeremy Kerley was the closest thing resembling that, but a receiver of Crowder’s caliber hasn’t owned the middle of the field since Wayne Chrebet.

It’s clear through nine games that Crowder has carved a Welker- and Landry-like role for himself in Gase’s offense. Despite offensive struggles, Crowder has always posed as a significant threat in the slot.

With Chris Herndon sidelined for the season between a four-game suspension, a nagging hamstring injury and a broken rib that landed him on IR, Darnold has been forced to find a new security blanket.

Crowder has emerged as a dependable option due to Darnold’s increasing trust in the receiver. With his sure hands, it only makes sense to continue to get him involved going forward. After four catches in the first two drives against the Giants in the Jets’ 34-27 win last Sunday, the targets stopped coming for Crowder.

That should change on Sunday. The Redskins have struggled against the slot all season and with the defense’s inability to get off the field on third down, Darnold will surely be targeting his new favorite receiver in his return back to Washington this weekend.