The Jets’ season is in danger of spiraling out of control after they lost their fourth straight game against the Steelers on Sunday night. After losing three close games, the Jets were eliminated in Pittsburgh when the Steelers scored 31 unanswered points. They have a golden opportunity to win again this weekend as they take on the 1-6 New England Patriots, but a loss would be catastrophic.
Here are the biggest stories to watch as the Jets look to beat the Patriots for the second time this season:
Will the Jets respond to Davante Adams’ leadership?
New wide receiver Davante Adams didn’t have a great first game with the Jets, as he only caught three passes on nine targets. However, he reportedly made an impression off the pitch with an impassioned post-match speech. Adams is trying to improve the locker room culture so the Jets can play at their talent level.
The fact that he even had to comment on things like a lack of energy on the sideline in such a big game is startling, but he’s been in the league long enough to know a thing or two about how to push a team . to prevent them from underperforming.
Of course, Adams’ words will carry more weight if he has more impact on the field, so the Jets will also be hoping for more statistical production from him this week.
What impact can Haason Reddick have in his Jets debut?
After finishing his lengthy defensive end Haason Reddick will be ready for the Jets this weekend. His role is uncertain at this point, but it seems likely he will get some reps in rush situations.
Reddick will be eager to make the most of these opportunities, especially in light of the fact that a significant portion of his reworked contract relies on performance-based incentives.
Will Drake Maye be able to take advantage of a broken Jets secondary?
The Patriots’ starting quarterback will make his first start against the Jets, a month after making his NFL debut off the bench in the 24-3 victory in New York. Since then, both teams have lost four games in a row.
Maye was announced as the new starting quarterback two games ago and his stats were quite good, although New England lost those games by a total of 36 points and he generated much of his production in garbage time.
The Jets, who haven’t forced a turnover in the past two weeks, will look to force Maye into some mistakes on Sunday. The Pats turned the ball over four times in his first start, but had no turnovers against Jacksonville on Sunday.
Will the Jets be able to take on the struggling Patriots defense?
The Jets had their best rushing performance of the season against New England in Week 3, when they totaled 133 yards on the ground. The Patriots have also gone from bad to worse against the run since then, as they have allowed over 700 rushing yards in the past four games.
New play caller Todd Downing talked this week about the importance of setting up the run and the stats suggest the Jets should be able to do so against a banged-up New England team just traveling back from London.
However, New York’s offensive line won’t be at full strength because of Alijah Vera Tucker‘s ankle injury. Third string Jake Hanson It appears he will start at right guard with Vera-Tucker out.
Will Aaron Rodgers protect the football better this week?
With the arrival of Adams, last week would be the week the Jets would unleash their full firepower in the passing game. However, two more costly interceptions emerge Aaron Rodgers changed the momentum in Pittsburgh’s favor.
Although one of Sunday night’s interceptions came on an unfortunate bounce and a poor attempt at a catch Garrett Wilson instead of one bad throw, that’s six interceptions in three games for Rodgers, who had previously gone three games without one.
Will we see a more conservative game plan from the Jets this week or will New York still prioritize getting everyone on the same page and operating at full capacity?
