Back in Week 2, the New York Jets were grounded by the New England Patriots in a brutal 25-6 loss. On 19/33 passing, rookie quarterback Zach Wilson’s 210 passing yards and four sacks took earned him a 37.0 rating. Wilson also infamously tossed four interceptions in what is easily the worst start yet of his young career.
As the Jets head to Foxborough, Massachusetts for their Week 7 matchup, New York cannot afford another blowout. Coming off a bye week, it is time for the 1-4 New York Jets to make something happen. Specifically, create a spark early, as the Jets have been horrendous offensively in the first half. And the way to do that is by committing to the run game.
New York Jets Must Commit to Run Game in Week 7
Jets Run Game Analysis from Week 2
In the Week 2 game, the Jets had their best day rushing the football in 2021. It was the only game where as a team, Gang Green rushed for over 100 yards. On 31 carries, the Jets rushed for 152 yards, good for a 4.9 average. Obviously, those numbers are not eye-opening, especially considering Derrick Henry does that and more on a weekly basis. Nevertheless, it stands out when the second-highest rushing total from a game this season for the Jets is 66 (against the Tennessee Titans).
Moreover, the Jets running back by committee approach flashed its potential. Ty Johnson had the most carries (12), totaling 50 yards on the ground. He, as well as veteran Tevin Coleman, both had team-long carries of 17-yards too. Coleman took five carries for 24 yards, while Zach Wilson had 19 rushing yards on three carries.
Yet the most impressive performer on the ground was 2021 fourth-round pick, Michael Carter. The North Carolina product rushed for 59 yards on 11 carries, giving him a 5.4 average on the day. Carter also added another 29 yards through the air on two receptions. If the Jets hope to earn their second win on Sunday, it starts with getting these guys going again.
Offensive Line Needs to Help
It goes without saying that the offensive line needs to block well on the ground for the Jets ground game to be successful. Still, without left tackle Mekhi Becton, George Fant has done an impressive job filling in. With Morgan Moses at right tackle, the Jets tackle duo of Fant-Moses has been great. Then again, nobody is perfect, as Fant has been a huge downgrade in the run game compared to Becton.
Along the interior, both center Connor McGovern (6th) and rookie left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (9th) grade out among the top 10 run blockers according to Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, right guard Greg Van Roten has struggled this season but has performed far better as a run blocker than a pass blocker.
Impact on the Pass Game
Today, the NFL is a pass-first league. However, there is no way for a quarterback to settle in unless they have a quality run game to compliment them. Wilson had a solid run game in Week 2 but couldn’t get it done thanks to a lackluster pass blocking performance from the offensive line.
For the Jets to stand a chance against New England, they need to find that spark again with the ground game. Otherwise, Wilson is going to be forced to try and hurl his way to a win against a stout Patriots defense. And everyone knows how that went the last time these two teams met.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
