It was no secret that the New York Jets would be faced with a difficult schedule in 2016. On the 15th anniversary of September 11th the Jets had some extra motivation coming into their season opener. Even so, they were unable to hold off the Cincinnati Bengals, losing 23-22 at home.
A missed extra point in the first half would end up being the difference in the final score. Momentum belonged to the Jets early in the game but big plays from A.J. Green helped spark a Cincinnati run. While there are obviously issues the Jets need to address, there are plenty of positives to take away from this game.
New York Jets Week 1 Takeaways
Quincy Enunwa More Involved
Quincy Enunwa impressed last season and his preseason only affirmed that he deserves more playing time. Week 1 proved that the Jets agree. Enunwa received a jet sweep on the first play of the game and continued to produce. He finished as the second leading receiver behind only Matt Forte with 54 yards and a touchdown. Enunwa’s size also allowed the Jets to use him in blocking scenarios. This had him serving in a role similar to tight end which is certainly the Jets’ weakest position. Through the air, on the ground, and as a blocker Enunwa’s impact was felt constantly on offense. As he continues to improve, his role can only grow in the offense.
Matt Forte Takes Over the Offense
Matt Forte was the highest profile addition to the Jets this offseason. His performance in week 1 proves why. Forte was a force on the ground, rushing for 96 yards on 22 carries. His elusiveness was on full display as he was rarely taken down by the first defender he came in contact with. Workhorse back is the only way to describe his impact as Bilal Powell only recorded four carries. His running ability was only half the story, however, as Forte was also the team’s leading receiver. His five catches for 59 yards led the team by five yards. There were plenty of occasions in which Forte lined up as a receiver. Forte alone had more total yards than the rest of the offense combined. While it wasn’t enough to get a win, Forte’s performance is certainly encouraging. Expect him to remain a focal point of the offense.
Defensive Line Pass Rush Shines
It is very rare for a base 3-4 defense to have its defensive line lead in sacks. But for the Jets, that is exactly what happened on Sunday. While there were instances in which the Jets had four down lineman, they are still a base 3-4 defense. Their three defensive lineman played unbelievably. Muhammad Wilkerson seems to have not lost a step after recording 1.5 sacks in his first game back from injury. Leonard Williams also showed improvement as he recorded 2.5 sacks of his own. That almost matches his total of three in 2015. The brightest spot on the line was neither of the two stars. Rather it was free agent pickup Steve McLendon. McLendon recorded two sacks of his own which is excellent for a nose tackle. He also recorded two tackles for loss and had continued penetration. McLendon is a big upgrade over Damon Harrison athletically and if he can continue to play well in run support, the Jets may not miss snacks as much.
Conclusion
Week 1 did not go the way the Jets had hoped. A close loss in a game they should have won will sting for a while. It is imperative that they move on and focus on the bright spots in the loss. They play a more winnable game in week 2 against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.
