Despite the overwhelming despair after losing Aaron Rodgers in Week One, the New York Jets remain in the wildcard hunt. Halfway through the season, the team sits comfortably at 4-4 thanks to their incredible defense. They should be considered a threat in the conference, if not for their anemic offense. Through nine weeks, the Jets have only scored eight total touchdowns on offense. While pundits justifiably look to Zach Wilson as the culprit, the problems run deeper than that.
Dropped passes, questionable play calling, offensive line injuries, and penalties have cost them opportunity after opportunity this season. The most consistent player on offense is veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein. The quest for consistency remains unresolved. However, there are still ways to bolster this team with a must-win game in Las Vegas. The Raiders have issues of their own, so New York can take advantage to win this important game.
Let It Ride: Three Ways to Help the New York Jets Offense
The New York Jets are heading to Las Vegas to face the 4-5 Raiders. Las Vegas is playing its second game under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, who replaced the recently terminated Josh McDaniels. The first-time head coach managed his first NFL win defeating the New York Giants 30-6. To secure a victory, expect Robert Saleh to pressure rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell to make plays and shut down star running back Josh Jacobs. Yet that’s only half the game plan. Nathaniel Hackett needs the offense firing on all cylinders with Maxx Crosby causing havoc on the Raiders’ defense. Here’s how they can salvage it.
1. Activate Dennis Kelly and Rodger Saffold
Fans are justified in their critiques of both Zach Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett. As a result of questionable play-calling and frustrating decision-making from Zach Wilson, the Jets have yet to score ten touchdowns on offense. In defense of Zach, the quarterback has yet to throw an interception in over 120 pass attempts. Yet, a fair assessment can’t be made without criticizing a much more vital group, the offensive line.
New York has been hampered by injuries on that front. Alijah Vera-Tucker is out for the season. Connor McGovern, Wes Schweitzer, Duane Brown, and Joe Tippmann have all missed time. Billy Turner was humiliated vs the Chargers on Monday at right tackle. Joe Douglas signed veteran linemen Rodger Saffold and Dennis Kelly last week. Both men have years of experience and familiarity with the coaching staff. Their presence on the field could offer some positive impact if they can play.
Rodger Saffold, Dennis Kelly, Xavier Newman.
Seems pretty clear #Jets OL coach Keith Carter is bringing “his guys” in. Connections are what matters in the NFL.
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) October 31, 2023
2. Play Israel Abanikanda
When Dalvin Cook signed back in August, fans were optimistic that the duo of Cook and Breece Hall would give the team a dynamic duo in the running game. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. Gone are the days of Dalvin Cook exploding for 20-yard runs and exciting touchdowns. Breece Hall continues to shine now fully recovered from his ACL injury. Consequently, the offensive line failed to provide him an opportunity for big plays. New York needs to find a way to take the pressure off Breece, and the solution is staring Hackett in the face.
Rookie Israel Abanikanda was one of the best running backs in college football last year. The running back accounted for over 1,000 rushing yards and over 20 touchdowns at the University of Pittsburgh. A talented player like this does no good without getting real game experience. Considering the state of the offense, it’s inexcusable he has not had a carry yet. The team must give him a chance to make an impact if they want to unlock this offense.
Israel Abanikanda flashed a little of that upside last night
An athletic home run hitter with good size at 5’11 215 and the youngest rookie RB at just 20 years old
It’s a crowded Jets backfield with an elite back in Breece Hall but Izzy got game
pic.twitter.com/tevXfymY6R— Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) August 13, 2023
3. Get Jason Brownlee on the field
Although it’s easy to place the blame on Wilson and Hackett, one major culprit for the offense has been the lackadaisical production of Allen Lazard. A much sought-after target this offseason, Lazard has been nowhere near as productive as his days in Green Bay. Lazard has yet to eclipse 300 receiving yards and has four drops through 35 targets. One can’t be productive if over ten percent of their targets are dropped.
It’s evident that New York needs another receiver to step up next to Garrett Wilson. One probable remedy would be to involve Jason Brownlee more. The undrafted rookie out of Southern Mississippi had turned heads at training camp. For example, he and Zach Wilson displayed good timing during their preseason games and Brownlee is coming off an 800-yard receiving season with eight touchdowns last year. After failing to get any consistency in the passing game, New York would be wise to start experimenting more with new targets.
Every Pre-Season catch from Jason Brownlee @Slideweezy #Jets pic.twitter.com/q9dRS5VrLo
— Dylan (@nyjetsfansonly) August 29, 2023
Main Photo: [Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
