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A look at the snap counts on offense and defense for the Jets in Week 8 against the Giants.
Injuries certainly plagued the New York Jets against the New York Giants, causing a shorter rotation on the defensive line and a practice-squad elevation being thrust in at center. Here, we’ll take a look at the snap counts on each side of the ball and how it may have affected the Jets.
Studs and duds from Jets’ ‘rally’ vs. Giants in Week 8
So that was a game. By definition, the Jets and Giants played a football game on Sunday. But it was far from an enjoyable one.
The Jets ‘rallied’ (using the term loosely) to beat the Giants in Week 8, as Greg Zuerlein kicked the game-tying and game-winning field goals between the end of regulation and overtime to give the Jets a 13-10 win, notching their third straight win and and moved over .500 for the first time since Week 1 at 4-3.
Despite the overall ugliness of the game, there were a few Jets that stood out and we’ll salute those players here. Behold the latest edition of “Studs and Duds”.
Thomas Morstead grateful for Jets giving him opportunity back in 2021
Sunday was a full-circle moment for Jets punter Thomas Morstead. The Jets found a way to win an ugly 13-10 game over the New York Giants. After the game, Morstead spoke to reporters and got emotional as he described how grateful he is to the Jets for giving him an opportunity three years ago and then being able to come back.
The Jets originally signed with the Jets in 2021 to fill in for the injured Braden Mann. This was after he was released earlier in the year after 12 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. After Mann came back, Morstead was released and later signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
After a season in Miami, Morstead returned to New York in 2023, again replacing Mann, but this time being the main punter. The Jets played some roster gymnastics at final cutdowns, but there was never any reason to believe Morstead was not going to be the punter this year. He has paid off in a big way.
Sunday against the Giants, Morstead was quite busy. He punted 11 times and still averaged 48.1 yards per punt. Four of his punts landed inside the 20. Morstead is able to flip the field incredibly well and keep the Jets in just about every game.
Morstead is truly grateful for his time with the Jets, even his original signing in 2021. “No one would sign me because I’m old,” Morstead said referring to that 2021 signing in New York.
Jets punter Thomas Morstead gets emotional talking about this win being a full-circle moment for him. Said the Jets were the only team that would give him a shot 3 years ago. “No one would sign me because I’m old.” pic.twitter.com/oTiKB0LXOI
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) October 29, 2023
The fans have also been incredibly supportive of Morstead this season and he has felt that love all season long. “It’s nice to be appreciated for what you’re doing,” Morstead recently told Jets Wire. “It’s nice for fans to appreciate what you bring.
Morstead also can feel like the rest of his team can count on him to make plays when needed, but it’s the fans that are showing just as much love to him.
“I certainly have felt very appreciated by the fan base,” Morstead said. “So thank you, everybody.”
Morstead also took to Twitter to thank the fans after the win Sunday.
Thank you #Jets Nation pic.twitter.com/TiMg6avU7n
— Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) October 29, 2023
Jets fans certainly thank Morstead for his work as well, work that was very much needed and appreciated in the win Sunday.
Instant analysis as Jets somehow, someway defeat Giants in ugly showing
It was ugly. It was sometimes hard to watch. It was looking very bleak. But in the end, it was somehow a win for the New York Jets, beating the New York Giants 13-10 in overtime thanks to Greg Zuerlein kicking two field goals between the end of regulation and in overtime.
The Jets nearly lost to a Giants team that had negative-9 net passing yards as a team. The Giants’ leading receivers — Darren Waller and Matt Brieda — each had four yards. It was nearly an absolute embarrassment for the Jets. Yet they somehow won and now have a winning record nearing the midway point of the season at 4-3 and are now on a three-game winning streak.
The Jets now have their next two games in primetime — Monday night vs. Chargers, Sunday night at Las Vegas — so the last thing they want is another ugly performance like this in front of a national audience. But a win is a win, right? Let’s go through some notes and give out some game balls…maybe.
Al Woods (calf) ruled out, Connor McGovern (knee) doubtful to return
Two more Jets have gone down with an injury and one has already been ruled out as if this writing at about halfway through the second quarter.
Defensive tackle Al Woods left the game with what was ruled a calf injury and has already been ruled out. Center Connor McGovern is also currently out with a knee injury and is considered doubtful to return.
C Connor McGovern (knee) is doubtful to return. Additionally, DL Al Woods (calf) has been downgraded to out #NYJvsNYG
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 29, 2023
Woods’ absence means the Jets have just three true defensive tackles in Quinnen Williams, Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas. Micheal Clemons and John Frnaklin-Myers can also play inside if needed.
As for the offensive line, Wes Schweitzer, who started at right guard for the injured Joe Tippmann, was in at center and practice-squad elevation Xavier Newman is in at right guard. Not long after, Schweitzer went down with an undisclosed injury as of this writing. The Jets have no more backup interior offensive linemen so they may have to get creative.
They may move Newman to center and perhaps Billy Turner to guard. We’ll see what happens.
Update: McGovern has been ruled out as well. Newman is now at center and and Turner is at right guard.
Breece Hall is so good. 50 yards for the score.
Breece Hall does it again. The sophomore is always a threat to break a big play and he did just that late in the first quarter, going 50 yards after a short catch to give the Jets a 7-3 lead following the extra point from Greg Zuerlein.
The touchdown was Hall’s third overall on the season and his first receiving touchdown. Hall has been getting more involved in the passing game in recent weeks. 11 of his 13 catches coming into Week 8 came in the last three games, including five against the Eagles in Week 6.
It’s been a defensive slugfest thus far so Hall has really been the difference early on in this game.
.@BreeceH is SO GOOD.#NYJvsNYG on CBS pic.twitter.com/vdHEeKvQ0l
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 29, 2023
Jets’ gameday roster for Week 8 vs. Giants
With the inactives announced for the Jets for Week 8, including wide receiver Randall Cobb and defensive end Carl Lawson, the gameday roster is now set for the Jets for their matchup Sunday against the New York Giants.
Two undrafted wide receivers — Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee — will both be active Sunday, the first game for Brownlee. Gipson will now get to run as the No. 3 wide receiver with Cobb out.
Here is your gameday roster for Week 8.
Jets announce inactives for Week 8 vs. Giants
The inactives are out for the New York Jets against the New York Giants and we have a couple of firsts this week. Wide receiver Randall Cobb is inactive for the first time this season. As a result, wide receiver Jason Brownlee is active for the first time this season.
It’s also Carl Lawson’s time to be inactive as the Jets have been seemingly rotating the odd man out each week.
Here’s your full list of those inactive for the Jets this week.
Jets vs. Giants live stream, time, viewing info for Week 8
2 The Jets are back from their bye week and are ready to keep building on the momentum that they created from beating the Broncos and Eagles before their week off. This week is their extra home game as they are the road team against the New York Giants in Week 8. Here’s your game and viewing information for Sunday’s game.
New York Jets at New York Giants on Sunday, October 29 (1 p.m. ET)
TV info: CBS (Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan)
TV map: 506 Sports
In-market live stream: NFL+
Radio: New York – 98.7 WEPN (ESPN Radio)
Location: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Forecast: Rain, 55 degrees
Referee: Shawn Smith
Opponent Wire site: Giants Wire
Odds: Jets -3
Check out where the Jets stand in the latest edition of the USA TODAY NFL power rankings.
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After knocking off their roommates in a come from behind victory at home, the Jets moved up two spots in the latest edition of USA TODAY’s NFL power rankings.
New York moved up from No. 31 to No. 29 after beating the Giants, 34-27, Sunday. After three consecutive losses, one more embarrassing than the next, the Jets bounced back with a much-needed win.
The Jets were able to harass Daniel Jones all game long while containing Saquon Barkley. Gang Green sacked Jones six times, causing multiple fumbles. The Jets’ front seven also held Barkley to one rushing yard on 13 carries. The defense rose to the occasion, including Jamal Adams, who easily had the best game of his young career.
The safety had nine tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and the play of the game when he pick-pocketed Jones, leading to his second touchdown of the season.
Fortunately for New York, its ensuing schedule may allow the team to get back on track. Future rises in the power rankings shouldn’t come as a surprise.
As for the rest of the AFC East, the 6-3 Bills dropped from No. 15 to No. 17 after losing a road game in Cleveland. The No. 28 Miami Dolphins moved up two spots following a surprise win over Indianapolis. Finally, the Patriots moved up two spots like the Jets and Dolphins while on their bye week.
Rounding out the top five are the Ravens at No. 1, the Patriots at No. 2, the 49ers at No. 3, the Saints at No. 4 and the Seahawks at No. 5.
