Content available exclusively for subscribers
East Rutherford, New Jersey – A few thoughts on the New York Jets 24-22 win over the Dallas Cowboys . . .
A big part of sports is mental, and the psychological boost that Sam Darnold’s return gave the Jets today was palpable. You could feel it at MetLife Stadium.
And something else that helped the Jets offense, aside from Darnold’s return, was Adam Gase dialing up really good first reads, like on the 92-yard touchdown pass to Robby Anderson.
So often with young quarterbacks, they need more help from their offensive coordinators than veteran quarterbacks. In other words, great first reads, so the developing signal-caller doesn’t have to go through his progressions as much.
Gase did his best job of the season today dialing up ideal first reads for Darnold.
Something else that helped Darnold was Jamison Crowder’s great route-running where he flashed wide open, often on crossing routes, giving the quarterback an inviting target to throw to . . .
The Jets have got to figure out a way to take advantage of teams with offensive line issues.
In New England’s loss to New England, the Jets failed to take advantage of a backup left tackle and center. It was like business as usual for the Patriots.
The Dallas Cowboys were missing both their starting offensive tackles – left tackle Tyron Smith and right tackle La’el Collins. Not only are these two the starting tackles, but two of the best in the business. But if was hard to tell that Dallas was using two backup offensive tackles – left tackle Cam Fleming and right tackle Brandon Knight. That shows you how much the Jets need to improve their edge-rushing situation.
Dak Prescott was sacked just one time today. That is ridiculous with two backup offensive tackles starting . . .
And one of the problems with not having a good pass rush, even against backup offensive tackles, is it exposes your cover guys, especially when you are lacking elite corners.
The Jets nickel back (Brian Poole) is solid at his job, but the Jets outside corners are very inconsistent . . .
The Jets’ run defense wasn’t great today with Zeke Elliott rushing for 105 yards behind two backup offensive tackles.
One guy who could help the Jets’ run defense with more playing time is Foley Fatukasi, who finished with four tackles today playing sparingly.
He is an athletic big-bodied defensive tackle who can help the Jets plug the middle.
At times, the Jets are just too small up front, which is hurting their run defense.
Fatukasi can help . . .
The Jets announced their all-time team today before the game, and the punter was Tom Tupa.
That was very strange, but since it was done by fan voting, perhaps this was one category that got neglected a little bit.
Tupa only punted for the Jets for three seasons, and the third one wasn’t very good.
The all-time punter probably should have been Curly Johnson or Chuck Ramsey.
Tupa probably thought it was odd also. He wasn’t here for the ceremony . . .
October 13, 2019
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Monday.