WEEK IN REVIEW
The Jets are holding strong in their position for the number one overall draft pick. Sunday’s 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins looked as expected. Miami’s defense controlled the game and registered their 17th consecutive game with at least one turnover. The Jets defense had a decent day, surrendering only two touchdowns to Miami’s offense led by Ryan Fitzpatrick. Their performance was particularly impressive considering the difficult situations the floundering Jets offense handed to them.
Sam Darnold’s performance was particularly unimpressive. He looked rusty, indecisive, and inefficient. His two interceptions were both simple mistakes, that no NFL quarterback should make. This outing was not particularly great for his trade value. As offseason trade rumors involving Sam Darnold continue to circulate, the latest of which being with Chicago, it would be well-advised for the Jets to make Darnold look good, and then shut him down to preserve his trade value.
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. During his weekly press conference, Gase confirmed that Sam Darnold will remain the starter no matter how poorly he plays. Gase understands that the only chance he has to salvage his reputation is to break Darnold out of this season-long slump. Gase was publicly credited with the success of the record-setting offense led by Peyton Manning in Denver and has since failed to duplicate such success.
While the Jets have struggled mightily in almost every aspect surrounding the team, one bright spot of the season has been the development of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Williams has emerged as one of the league’s best defensive lineman. He is constantly facing double and triple teams because of the lack of alternate threats on the team and still dominating. Williams made a major impact in the Dolphins game with his two impressive sacks. Through the first 12 weeks of this season, Quinnen Williams ranks as the highest-rated defensive tackle in run stop rate and the fifth best in pass rush win rate.
THE WEEK AHEAD
The Jets opened this week as 8.5-point home underdogs to the Las Vegas Raiders in what may be their best remaining chance to pick up a victory this season. The Raiders have the 2nd worst win-loss record on the Jets’ remaining schedule and are coming off their most embarrassing loss of the season. Derek Carr literally gave the game to the Atlanta Falcons through his four turnovers, three of which were fumbles. Despite the team’s winning record, Carr is having one of the worst seasons of his career and this could be one of the final games he plays in a Raiders uniform.
The 46.5 Over/Under reflects the struggles of both offenses involved in this matchup. Both quarterbacks have been very inconsistent, but so have the defenses. Whichever team is able to find some sort of rhythm will hold the advantage in this game. Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (assuming he is active) compared to the Jets’ Frank Gore is likely the largest point of difference between the two offenses and some explosive plays from Jacobs can sustain drives and break this game open for the Raiders. Quinnen Williams will need to have another huge game to keep Jacobs, and the score, in check.
