The Jets got to 1-1 after a tough win over a gritty Tennessee Titans team in Week 2, giving them some momentum heading into their home opener Thursday against the New England Patriots during Week 3’s “Thursday Night Football” matchup.
Let’s talk some notes from the game.
Offensively, the Jets (1-1) seem to have already figured out how to utilize running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen on offense. Hall (14 carries for 62 yards, seven catches for 52 yards and a touchdown) remains the lead back but the rookie Allen (seven carries for 33 yards, two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown) is already solidly in the mix behind him. The two combined for 95 yards on 21 carries as the Jets were able to find success on the ground.
New York took advantage of Titans’ miscues with turnovers and turning those into points. The Jets turned an interception of Tennessee (0-2) quarterback Will Levis into a touchdown on a 12-play drive (Allen’s 12-yard reception from Aaron Rodgers). They also got a blocked punt from Irv Charles and scored three on the insinuating drive.
New York then kept alive following a roughing the passer penalty on Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. That drive culminated with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Hall to give the Jets their first lead of the game at 14-10.
The Jets got it done in all three phases of the game. They were steady on offense, particularly in the second half to take advantage of the game late, had key turnovers on defense and their special teams came up clutch as well with the blocked punt. The Jets were actually out-gained by the Titans 300-265. Both teams were 5-of-12 on third down. Overall, the teams were pretty even in numbers. Just goes to show how turnovers can help determine a game outcome. The Jets had two takeaways, the Titans had zero.
The Jets were helped by some wacky play from Levis, truth be told. No one has any idea what he was thinking on that throw early in the game. The Jets were quite fine with it, however, as they recovered a fumble via linebacker Quincy Williams.
Overall, a solid day for the offense. That side of the ball started moving better as the day wore on and the defense got to Levis four times and picked him off once. The big story, though, is the continued pile of injuries for the Jets. Linebacker C.J. Mosley left with a foot injury. But the big injury was the likely torn Achilles for edge Jermaine Johnson. The breakout star of 2023 is already done for 2024 in heartbreaking fashion. All eyes now turn to Haason Reddick and whether this will make the Jets cave in on a new deal for Reddick to help fill the void.
It’s now a quick turnaround for the Jets. They play again in just a few days in their home opener set for Thursday against the Patriots. New England fell 23-20 in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.
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