FLORHAM PARK N.J. — An overview of what’s happening around FLORHAM PARK New York Jets:
1. “Fun” bunch: The Jets’ top rusher, top receiver, and best on-ball defender at the midseason point have at least one thing to share: They are all rookies, early validation of the highly acclaimed draft class.
The Jets rank only eighth in number of rookie snaps (1,870), per ESPN Stats & Information research, but they’re getting quality snaps from cornerback Sauce Gardner Wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Running back Breece Hall His season was about to end when he suffered a torn ACL. The Jets are certain to have three key building blocks in the future.
Based on yards per play, Wilson and Hall combined have 39% of all offense. Gardner has teamed up with D.J. Reed The Jets’ best cornerback pair since Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie in 2010.
“It’s been fun to watch them come in since April — how they’ve grown, how their confidence has grown,” general manager Joe Douglas said of the rookie class. “Some men came in with incredible confidence. They had genuine, authentic confidence. So it’s been fun to watch them grow, grow as professionals, perform each day on the practice field, perform on Sundays and have fun doing it.”
A closer look:
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Gardner (first round). Gardner, a leading candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year, is tied for the league’s lead in passes defensed (12). He has the nickname and the game to become a star. There are still a few more interceptions. (He already has one.
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Wilson (first) Wilson is Wilson’s only rookie with more yards and receptions than Wilson (34 to 429), which was his college teammate. Chris Olave The New Orleans Saints (37) for 547 Wilson is the Jets rookie with two 100 yard receiving games since Al Toon (1985). Only problem is the high number of dropped passes (four).
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Jermaine Johnson (first): After missing three games because of a sprained foot, the backup defensive lineman is expected to be back Sunday. Johnson, despite being in a nine man rotation, hasn’t shown the same dynamic edge-rushing ability as he did when he was drafted, but his run defense is far superior than expected. This is a small sample of his run-stuff performance (7.7) that leads the Jets’ linemen.
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Hall (second). He was called “Breeced Lightning” for seven games. He is sixth in the league with rushing yards more than expected per carry (1.5), according to NFL Next Gen Stats. This tells you everything about how he can use the ball.
For the other picks, it was a tight end Jeremy Ruckert (third) He is likely to be a healthy scratch the fourth time. He is not allowed to play an offensive role, except for the vets. Tyler Conklin And C.J. Uzomah, but has not been able to get traction on special team. Tackle Max Mitchell The fourth place finish was a pleasant surprise. He had been a substitute starter for four games prior to sustaining a knee injury. Although he could be back in Week 11, there is no guarantee that he will. Micheal Clemons The fourth player is a rotating player on the defensive end and shows his uncommon skill set with the kickoff-coverage group. It is rare to see a 263-pound, defensive end covering kicks.
2. Fitz raises a red Flag Ryan Fitzpatrick (former NFL quarterback) was asked on a conference phone what he would tell the Jets if given advice. Zach Wilson‘s future. Fitzpatrick pulled out a story from one-year ago and said it was “a big red flag” when Wilson hired John Beck as their personal quarterback coach. Beck was then appointed to the staff for the remainder.
Fitzpatrick played in the 2015-2016 Jets season and said that he didn’t know Zach Wilson. I know they tried to help him and did everything they could to make sure his mentals were in order and match his physicals. However, that one was a little scary to fly in to check on him and give some comfort.
Wilson did show some improvement over Beck but the optics raises questions.
3. Joshing: Wilson’s performance of three interceptions last week in the loss at the is still a concern New England Patriots? This is what you need to know: Bills star Josh Allen Three-pick against the Patriots — The Jets face the Bills Sunday (1 p.m.). ET, CBS — In the fourth game of his sophomore year. Allen was at rock bottom during that moment. The interceptions were almost identical — both took careless throws when under pressure.
Allen quickly rebounded and later called it a turning point. Wilson lost his attempt to rebound with the Bills’ defense. Wilson was No. 1. In points allowed.
4. Head games Amateur psychologist week was underway, and everyone tried to gauge Wilson’s mental state after last week’s failure (20-of-41 yards, 355 yards), 2 TDs, and 3 INTs). While coaches and players say he is in a good place now, I believe that his performance Wednesday practice was less than stellar. This practice is the most crucial of the week.
5. There are four of us: While the Jets did not trade either of their disgruntled wide receivers in time for Tuesday’s deadline (which was Tuesday), things could change in offseason. It might be a good idea to trade one of their four starter-caliber receivers.
Which one wins? Denzel Mims And Elijah Moore Already have expressed an interest to play elsewhere. Mims Corey Davis Will be in the last year of their contracts. Davis’ $10.5million salary (non-guaranteed), might be tempting to let go for cap purposes. Garrett Wilson will not be leaving, naturally.
Douglas stated that Moore “has bright future as New York Jet”, which is exactly what you would expect him to say. There are many things that could happen in the next nine games. But it will be an interesting story to watch in the offseason.
6. Moore or less Moore’s playing time is worth watching after only 10 snaps last Week. According to Mike LaFleur (offensive coordinator), Moore went from being a “huge explosive device” to almost invisible last season (16 catches for just 203 yards and 0 touchdowns). Does this make sense? The Jets coaches place a high value on practicing performance. If a player isn’t practicing hard and is sulking, he won’t be playing a big role in the game.
Moore was not only unable to play last week, but also may have lost his job. Wilson replaced Moore at his position (X-split End). Wilson responded with what is arguably his best game (6 catches for 115 yards). That’s not something you want to do. Wilson was previously used in the slot. Mims, who is currently out with Davis’ knee injury, will be starting on the opposite (Z-flanker) side. Moore is expected to be given time in this slot, if he has any.
Robert Saleh, the Jets coach, said that they will give him more opportunities. Keep checking back.
7. Did you know that? Moore can be criticised for not responding to his trade request in a timely manner, but it’s impossible to fault him for actually dropping a ball. Moore is the only player on the team who has at least 15 pass targets.
8. Diggs almost like a Jet Bills have a wide receiver in their arsenal. Stefon Diggs Recently suggested by a teammate Von MillerThe Voncast podcast by’s podcast about how he was almost traded to the Jets in 2020. The statement raised some eyebrows but was not true, according to a source familiar. That was Douglas’ first offseason, when he was in draft pick-acquisition/cap-cleanup mode. Diggs wanted to leave the Jets, and that was something the Jets knew. Minnesota VikingsHowever, the timing was not right for the Jets.
9. Home problems: They will not be a serious threat to the AFC until they are a strong home team. They are currently at 1-3, and have been a league-worst team of 18-35 since 2016. Sunday offers a chance to make a big upset and shake up the league.
10. Last word: “I think once his swing is figured out, it’ll be really cool,” he said. — Saleh on Zach Wilson