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Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was the best player on the field today.
He might have finished with just one sack, but his impact can’t be measured by just stats – three tackles and one sack.
One Jets player said after the game, “That is the best player I’ve ever faced.”
Lawrence was pushing players back on skates the entire game, and might have contributed to an injury on the offensive line. He was pushing people back and putting their bodies in uncompromising positions.
What a player! . . .
As you know by now, the Jets lost both their starting center (Connor McGovern) and backup center (Wes Schweitzer) in the second quarter.
After the game, McGovern had a brace on his left leg, and Schweitzer had a boot on his foot and lower right leg. McGovern suffered a knee injury and Schweitzer a calf.
Neither looked like a short-term injury, so it would be shocking if either was available for the Jets-Chargers Monday Night Football Game.
But perhaps the Jets get Joe Tippmann back for the Chargers game, and they can plug him into his natural position of center.
Then they would just have to decide who to start at right guard – Billy Turner or Xavier Newman-Johnson.
Newman-Johnson has more of a history at guard than center. He worked with Jets offensive coach Keith Carter in Tennessee.
Turner, who did an admirable job filling in at right guard today, considering he told Jets Confidential he has not taken a rep at the position in three years.
The Dallas Cowboys have two former Jets guards on their practice squad – Chris Glaser and Adam Pankey – don’t be surprised if the Jets sign one of them to their regular roster.
LB Chazz Surratt was taken to the X-ray room after the game.
This could be a nothing burger but this talented special team player has had some injury issues since joining the Jets.
Surratt had a great play on a Gunner Olszewski punt return late in the first half, making a shoestring tackle as the returner was about to take off with a lot room in front of him . . .
Unusual number of torn Achilles in the NFL this year – the latest being Jets nose tackle Al Woods.
You have to wonder if the fake grass has been a factor
Woods was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot on his right foot . . .
Speaking of achilles injuries, saw Aaron Rodgers after the game in the locker room, and he’s still walking with a sight limp.
This should not be considered a negative story. At this stage of achilles rehab, about a month and a half after surgery, some limping is still expected.
But it would not be shocking if he’s ready for the playoffs, and the Jets, at 4-3, are certainly in the Wildcard hunt.
The NFL Wildcard Round is January 13-15, two and a half months from now.
He could be ready for that and they could probably use him.
Zach Wilson was 2-15 on third down today and the Jets punted 11 times.
You can win some regular season games in a down NFL with the Jets’ formula of minimizing the QB position, but in the playoffs, perhaps against the Miami’s, Buffalo’s, Kansas City’s and Baltimore’s, it could be hard to win the way the Jets have been. They will likely need more touchdowns.
So if they could sneak into the playoffs manufacturing wins with all three phases, and then get Rodgers back, in the second season, that could be interesting.
