NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
Traveling to Green Bay is never easy for any team, especially for the Jets, who have had a poor road record in the past couple of matches. However, surprisingly, history didn’t matter, as Robert Saleh’s side steamrolled the Packers 27-10. Nobody expected the Jets to be here, but the players did. At 4-2 for the season, there was always hope of playing meaningful games in December. With recent performances, can a case now be made for challenging a playoff spot later down the line?
In recent weeks, the defense has steadily grown the confidence to create turnovers and finally provide some pressure up front. Notably, Quinnen Williams has been a force all season long and has consistently set the tone. Add that to a secondary that has negated any big plays from happening and has gotten tight coverage from the defensive back unit; the Jets seemed to have found an identity, ranking 11th overall in yards per game.
Aaron Rodgers had little time to make throws and looked uncomfortable in the pocket all day. The Packers, who leaned in heavily on the duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, couldn’t muster up any running lanes to challenge a different look from Saleh’s defense.
The offensive line seems to have a different tone, demonstrating the ability to win the trenches. The running game has picked up and dominated the opposition. Breece Hall has been given more carries and is emerging as one of the main focal points of the offense. Matt LaFleur is expanding and enhancing his playcalling each week.
This, in turn, has allowed more freedom to keep defenses honest and, most importantly, be aggressive. Once teams start to respect that part of his offense, LaFleur can now begin to utilize the arm of Zach Wilson to attack secondaries downfield.
Sure Zach Wilson didn’t play well this week, but there’s still great hope. For one, winning games can be a confidence builder, not only for Wilson but for this young unit as well. Furthermore, while Wilson tries to get in his groove and figure things out, the running game can give him more time to do that. Then comes easier throws and more creativity with the offense. Having this element is a blessing in disguise.
Once the passing game picks up, there’s no telling what this young Jets team can be like moving forward. Elijah Moore and Garrett Wilson have been seldomly used in the passing game in the past two weeks. Both have tremendous talent that almost certainly can show in the coming weeks as they build chemistry with their young signal-caller.
The success of New York’s season will depend on Zach Wilson producing big games. He can’t continue playing mediocre game-manage for the rest of the season to win. Considering that this team is gaining confidence and backing up with great performances, it should say much about their character. Following a win on the road against Aaron Rodgers and another against Russell Wilson this week will convince everyone that Joe Douglass’s plan has finally arrived.
This team seems ahead of schedule, and there is finally some belief in the atmosphere that wasn’t there before from the fanbase. Robert Saleh believed, as mentioned, in remembering those who wouldn’t join the hype train earlier in the season. He is slowly proving doubters wrong and can help his case of being the right man for the job by somehow leading his team to the playoffs this year. Now, it’s up to the Jets to once again prove why they are meant to be taken seriously.
