WEEK IN REVIEW
The Jets did not lose last week because they were away on bye, so they remain with an 0-9 record and in pole position for the number one draft pick this spring. With only one game separating New York and Jacksonville, the Jets made an announcement to help them keep their “lead” in April.
Joe Flacco will remain the starter for the New York Jets for at least one more week. Regardless of whether Sam Darnold returns to the Jets next season or finds a new home elsewhere in the league, the more he sits, the more the Jets front office is showing that they have given up on this season and looking toward the future. Darnold is the best player asset that the Jets have at their disposal, and the healthier he is this offseason, the better the Jets’ situation will be going forward.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Adam Gase is still the head coach. As mentioned in previous weeks, this will be the main story until it is no longer the case. His latest fall guy appears to be cornerback Pierre Desir. Reports of Desir’s release broke Tuesday and he went unclaimed on waivers. Desir was a Joe Douglas offseason signing, who has received much criticism throughout the season. Opponents appeared to have been targeting him. He leads the team in yards allowed, completions allowed, and touchdowns allowed, and was the subject of countless criticism on Twitter.
Desir is expected to be replaced by rookie cornerback Bryce Hall, who showed some promise in his first game last week. This symbolizes the focus on the future. Hall had an impressive career at the University of Virginia. He led all collegiate players in pass breakups in 2019 and we projected as a borderline day 1/day 2 draft pick. Hall’s senior season was cut short by an ankle injury, which may have impacted his draft stock, allowing the Jets to pick him in the 5th round.
THE WEEK AHEAD
The Jets will head to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers, led by impressive rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers opened as 8.5-point home favorites following a difficult loss to the Miami Dolphins. Los Angeles has hosted a revolving door at running back this season and it appears as though Kalen Ballage will take the lead this week in a revenge game against Adam Gase.
Justin Herbert has put up some big numbers and his defense has also allowed some big performances as well. The Chargers have not been able to put together many complete games. The 46.5 over/under indicates a lack of faith in the Jets' offense to get rolling in this one. The Jets corners, without Pierre Desir, will have their hands full with the Chargers’ receivers who are all impressive athletes with both size and speed. The biggest question will be regarding the health of the Chargers’ star pass-rusher Joey Bosa. If Bosa is able to go, it could be a long day for Joe Flacco.
