Even at 1 and 3, There are Reasons for Optimism

[JetNation]

The NY Jets fell to 1-3 Sunday night, but there are reasons for optimism. Zach Wilson had the best game of his career.  Wilson’s performance saved him, and us, from enduring a painful game of musical chairs at quarterback. If Wilson fell flat again, there is no way Robert Saleh could have held off on giving the other quarterbacks on the roster a chance. That would have meant that this season would look a lot like last season with uneven play, a lack of chemistry, and little production. Zach wasn’t perfect by any means, but he played well overall, and he played very well at times.  For the most part, Wilson was decisive and put the ball where it needed to go. He was exactly what he had failed to be in every single start before Sunday. Wilson fumbled at a critical point in the game, but he did not throw an interception. He played well enough that the Jets were in the game to the bitter, poorly officiated end against the world champs.

This league is not about moral victories though, so what needs to improve? The Jets didn’t score in the first period or the last period. It’s a symptom of a quarterback and an offense that is too tight to open the game and too short on confidence at the end of it. The success Zach Wilson had against the Chiefs should help to remedy some of that. It has to. Playing from behind and asking Wilson to make multiple plays in the hurry-up offense is not a winning strategy. The Jets are built to play with the lead. They have a defense that loves to play downhill and takes the ball away with regularity. What they don’t have, at least not yet, is a confident playmaker under center that will bring the team back from behind or deliver big plays in the clutch.

The Jets were outrushed Sunday night by almost 2-1. 48 of Kansas City’s over 200 yards rushing came on a touchdown run in the first quarter. That should not happen. This team needs to dominate the ground game on both sides of the ball. The Jets barely gained 100 yards on the ground. 150 yards needs to be a disappointing rushing week for the Jets.

There is, again, a lot to be optimistic about. Kansas City scored just 6 points over the last three quarters of the game. After the first quarter, Kansas City looked confused on offense and very little worked as designed. Their biggest plays after the first fifteen minutes were runs by Mahomes after the play broke down. The Jets intercepted the Chiefs twice and held Jason Kelce to six catches and just 60 yards, both of which are pedestrian for him.

This week the Jets are not playing against the Super Bowl champions. It is quite the opposite. The Jets travel to play the 1-3 Denver Broncos. Denver needed to come back last week from 21 points behind against the winless Chicago Bears to get their first win of the season. The Broncos are last in the league in total defense allowing a staggering 37.5 points per game. There is literally no better team in the league for the Jets and Zach Wilson to be playing this Sunday as they try to build on the positive offensive play from the Kansas City game. Denver allows 176 yards per game on the ground. The Jets should be able to control the ball and pound away at Denver’s defense, setting Zach Wilson up for some easy throws. The Jets should end their first-quarter scoring drought and be able to finish this game ahead in time of possession. The Broncos are an opponent that is tailor-made for the Jets to score their second win of the season. There are no excuses for this game. The Jets have better personnel at nearly every position. A loss on Sunday and a poor outing from Wilson puts the Jets back where they were after the New England game. Nobody wants to be there.

 

 

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[AFJF]

Pats loss was a killer.  Had to have that game vs a beatable opponent.  

[slimjasi]

13 minutes ago, AFJF said:

Pats loss was a killer.  Had to have that game vs a beatable opponent.  

Yep. 

To me, you have to make up for it by beating an elite team you didn't expect to beat (in addition to beating the rest of your "beatable" opponents)

That's why I am still so crushed over the KC loss - that was a great chance to make amends for the 15th straight loss to New England. 

 

 

[slimjasi]

I agree with all of this, but there are also a lot of reasons for pessimism. 

Historically, this Denver game has "classic Jets loss" written all over it. 

The Jets have a lot to prove. 

[varjet]

5 minutes ago, slimjasi said:

I agree with all of this, but there are also a lot of reasons for pessimism. 

Historically, this Denver game has "classic Jets loss" written all over it. 

The Jets have a lot to prove. 

Has someone published what the Jets' record is visiting Denver?  I don't think it is very good.  It is not very good visiting Philadelphia either.   

It is very hard to go to 5000 ft above sea level and perform when you are not used to it, and the Jets do not even train in the heat like Texas, AZ or Florida to provide another physical stress.  

If Zach can continue to perform decently and help develop the offense, it frames the Jets' story for 2024 much better, and hopefully if AR8 loses time next year Zach can step in seemlessly.    It also can provide justification to build the rest of the team and not pick a QB.   Honestly, I would rather do that and give Zach a chance.  

The parties here with the most to prove are the coaches-they showed that it is possible to come up with a game plan that can work for Zach and the other players on this team.  It did only produce 20 points.   Let's see what they can do.  

[BroadwayRay]

The Kansas City game has given me a tiny glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, it's possible Zach Wilson can resurrect his career and put the Jets on a winning path. But this would be a turn of events of historic proportions. I still think it's highly unlikely this will happen.

[slimjasi]

3 minutes ago, varjet said:

Has someone published what the Jets' record is visiting Denver?  I don't think it is very good.  It is not very good visiting Philadelphia either.   

It is very hard to go to 5000 ft above sea level and perform when you are not used to it, and the Jets do not even train in the heat like Texas, AZ or Florida to provide another physical stress.  

If Zach can continue to perform decently and help develop the offense, it frames the Jets' story for 2024 much better, and hopefully if AR8 loses time next year Zach can step in seemlessly.    It also can provide justification to build the rest of the team and not pick a QB.   Honestly, I would rather do that and give Zach a chance.  

The parties here with the most to prove are the coaches-they showed that it is possible to come up with a game plan that can work for Zach and the other players on this team.  It did only produce 20 points.   Let's see what they can do.  

The Jets have never beaten the Eagles anywhere, home or away!

 

Yeah, tough game coming up and one the Jets have repeatedly lost forever. 

[varjet]

35 minutes ago, slimjasi said:

The Jets have never beaten the Eagles anywhere, home or away!

 

Yeah, tough game coming up and one the Jets have repeatedly lost forever. 

We are a terrible matchup for the physical teams, which should not be.  Steelers, Ravens, Eagles, Cowboys.  

[FidelioJet]

 

The OL should only get better as they gel.  Let's hope they can stay healthy.

[varjet]

7 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

 

The OL should only get better as they gel.  Let's hope they can stay healthy.

Shouldn't NFL teams just draft the OL from Wisconsin?  Why is this so hard?

[pointman]

10 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

 

The OL should only get better as they gel.  Let's hope they can stay healthy.

Tippmann is awesome. I wish he was at center and we moved McGovern over. 

[derp]

Reasons for optimism: a difficult remaining schedule, Marvin Harrison Jr., Olu Fashanu, Brock Bowers, Drake Maye…..

[doitny]

40 minutes ago, pointman said:

Tippmann is awesome. I wish he was at center and we moved McGovern over. 

i was thinking maybe in the pros he is better suited for OG? or they dont want to put him at center to call out the line blocking? 

idk just guessing here.

[AFJF]

2 hours ago, varjet said:

Has someone published what the Jets' record is visiting Denver?  I don't think it is very good.  It is not very good visiting Philadelphia either.   

It is very hard to go to 5000 ft above sea level and perform when you are not used to it, and the Jets do not even train in the heat like Texas, AZ or Florida to provide another physical stress.  

If Zach can continue to perform decently and help develop the offense, it frames the Jets' story for 2024 much better, and hopefully if AR8 loses time next year Zach can step in seemlessly.    It also can provide justification to build the rest of the team and not pick a QB.   Honestly, I would rather do that and give Zach a chance.  

The parties here with the most to prove are the coaches-they showed that it is possible to come up with a game plan that can work for Zach and the other players on this team.  It did only produce 20 points.   Let's see what they can do.  

3-7 in their last 10 games in Denver.

[Drums]

Denver should be a game for the offense, and Zach especially, to dominate but if getting our hopes up and ripping our hearts out won championships, the Jets would be a dynasty. For the love of god, can we as fans catch a damn break and have some fun this weekend? 

[Drums]

1 hour ago, FidelioJet said:

 

The OL should only get better as they gel.  Let's hope they can stay healthy.

Can't wait for him to replace McGovern when there is someone to fill in at tackle or guard. 

[UnknownJetFan]

2 hours ago, varjet said:

Has someone published what the Jets' record is visiting Denver?  I don't think it is very good.  It is not very good visiting Philadelphia either.   

It is very hard to go to 5000 ft above sea level and perform when you are not used to it, and the Jets do not even train in the heat like Texas, AZ or Florida to provide another physical stress.  

If Zach can continue to perform decently and help develop the offense, it frames the Jets' story for 2024 much better, and hopefully if AR8 loses time next year Zach can step in seemlessly.    It also can provide justification to build the rest of the team and not pick a QB.   Honestly, I would rather do that and give Zach a chance.  

The parties here with the most to prove are the coaches-they showed that it is possible to come up with a game plan that can work for Zach and the other players on this team.  It did only produce 20 points.   Let's see what they can do.  

If there is a good QB draft next year and as you said Zack pans out, then maybe one if the QBs fall to Jets and they can trade down getting picks back maybe even the 2nd rounder they lost. Jets can then invest more in OL at tackle and improve other areas like LB, another WR maybe, etc.

[Dunnie]

Yep. 
To me, you have to make up for it by beating an elite team you didn't expect to beat (in addition to beating the rest of your "beatable" opponents)
That's why I am still so crushed over the KC loss - that was a great chance to make amends for the 15th straight loss to New England. 
 
 

... however ... and it's minor however ... there were opportunities all around that the Jets failed to capitalize on.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk

[Matt39]

Very happy we are collecting participation trophies but if the Jets lose on Sunday then the season is dead and we’ll be spending the rest. theyear speculating on firings and a roster that was overrated based off of wins against backups last year. 

[Maxman]

21 minutes ago, Matt39 said:

Very happy we are collecting participation trophies but if the Jets lose on Sunday then the season is dead and we’ll be spending the rest. theyear speculating on firings and a roster that was overrated based off of wins against backups last year. 

Did you read the article? It doesn't say they won participation trophies.

[KINGDIRK]

3 hours ago, slimjasi said:

I agree with all of this, but there are also a lot of reasons for pessimism. 

Historically, this Denver game has "classic Jets loss" written all over it. 

The Jets have a lot to prove. 

Denver is must win. You can’t go to 1-4 and feel good. It’s winning time. Rip off 3 wins out of the next 4.

[slimjasi]

2 minutes ago, KINGDIRK said:

Denver is must win. You can’t go to 1-4 and feel good. It’s winning time. Rip off 3 wins out of the next 4.

100%
 

this team has lost 9 of its last 10 games and the coach is 12 and 26. It’s time to win 

[Matt39]

28 minutes ago, Maxman said:

Did you read the article? It doesn't say they won participation trophies.

I mean there’s really no reason for optimism yet. They’ve lost 9 of their last 10.

[Maxman]

Just now, Matt39 said:

I mean there’s really no reason for optimism yet. They’ve lost 9 of their last 10.

So the odds say statistically speaking the winning % should improve.

That's another reason.

[Jetsplayer21]

3 hours ago, FidelioJet said:

 

The OL should only get better as they gel.  Let's hope they can stay healthy.

JD needs to be drafting a O lineman first or 2nd round every yr until it’s 09/10 strength. 

[Maynard13]

4 hours ago, slimjasi said:

I agree with all of this, but there are also a lot of reasons for pessimism. 

Historically, this Denver game has "classic Jets loss" written all over it. 

The Jets have a lot to prove. 

The Denver game is the Jets season. It is their Super Bowl for the 2023 season. If they lose this game, the season is over.  And it would have zilch to do with their record falling to1-4. It will be a demoralizing loss to the organization's name and the coaches who have been belittled by that obnoxious snob Payton.  It also will result in humongous doubts as to the leadership and ability of Zach to, not only win a must game, but to win one one for the coaching staff.  Zach cannot go backwards here. It will be devastating to the players and to the future of this coaching staff.  He MUST not only play well, HE MUST WIN and make progress after his best play as a pro vs. KC.  This is where this Saleh team either comes together or falls apart at the seams. Do not underestimate the importance of this game.  After playing their hearts out and outplaying KC and nearly upsetting them, (with no help from the refs) the Jets must build on that valiant effort.  This is a very young team. They desperately NEED to see THEY CAN WIN.  Last year, after Breece went down, the team gave up because Zach was just not capable to carry the team.  He still isn't BUT he needs to continue making progress and get these guys on his side.  This is the BIGGEST, MOST PIVITOL game for the Jets in quite some time. 

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Maynard13]

2 hours ago, Drums said:

Can't wait for him to replace McGovern when there is someone to fill in at tackle or guard. 

Or, since he is playing lights out at guard, keep him there.  AVT and Tippman are very nice building blocks. Is it easier to find a center or a guard? Center is the least important position on a football team. Yea there were great great centers in  the history of football but guards are much more important and Tippy is knocking it out. Hopefully, the T JD drafted from Pitt, Warren, will make an impact this year. They have high hopes for him. Next year JD grabs a T with that first rounder and drafts a center in the 3rd 4th round. Sign a kick azz FA (not an over the hill bum like he has).  Next year the OL could be looking much more stable than the mess they have thrown out this year.  Be interesting to see what they do with Becton who is just a huge risk. 

LT Warren - LG Tippman - C? - RG AVT - RT FA? 

[Ken Schroy]

6 hours ago, varjet said:

Has someone published what the Jets' record is visiting Denver?  I don't think it is very good.  It is not very good visiting Philadelphia either.   

It is very hard to go to 5000 ft above sea level and perform when you are not used to it, and the Jets do not even train in the heat like Texas, AZ or Florida to provide another physical stress.  

If Zach can continue to perform decently and help develop the offense, it frames the Jets' story for 2024 much better, and hopefully if AR8 loses time next year Zach can step in seemlessly.    It also can provide justification to build the rest of the team and not pick a QB.   Honestly, I would rather do that and give Zach a chance.  

The parties here with the most to prove are the coaches-they showed that it is possible to come up with a game plan that can work for Zach and the other players on this team.  It did only produce 20 points.   Let's see what they can do.  

The Jets are like 0-12  against the Iggles. We beat the Broncos last yr.

[FactsOnly]

Zach Wilson has arrived