The Jets lost showed us something huge this past week. They are not ready to contend with the big boys. That’s quite already considering going into the season expectations were tampered with a rookie QB and rebuilding. Before this loss we took 2 straight victories, puffing our chests out a little, rightfully so. This loss brought the team back to reality, but it’s something that might be good for the team and this organization.
As I stated last week, the 3 keys to a victory were health, pressure on Cousins and establish the run game. The health was a big issues, as is for most teams that play in the NFL. Leonard Williams who was listed on the injury report was healthy, but several key competitors in the backfield were not. This showed come 2nd half. The Jets defense did a good job of placing pressure on Cousins in the first half, as well as deflecting many passes in the backfield and line of scrimmage. When the Vikings came out for the 2nd half, it was almost like they were hearing those horns blowing all the way from U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Jets defense allowed Cousins to get too comfortable 2nd half, forcing no turnovers. That’s not going to get the job done. The offense was just as poor as the defense. I felt it was important to establish a run game early. For the first time this year, the Jets allowed Darnold to consistently throw deep passes. The issue was he was throwing them long before the run game was stabilized. This I had issue with because it set himself and the team up for failure. Maybe it had part to do with Powell getting hurt 2nd quarter, which ultimately costed him his whole season. Maybe it had part to do with awful run-blocking. The coaching staff need to go back to the drawing board and figure out the correct game plan going forward because week 7 was an utter mess.
As a Jets fan, I am content where we are this point of the season. I was not expecting to hoist the Lombardi trophy or get wasted at the Jets victory parade. My expectations of this team are to see our young guys compete until that last whistle. I also am expecting to see progression from our foundations players. I see hope in the future with salary cap flexibility and younger studs taking in leadership roles already. I know my fellow Jets fans have heard it plenty of times but be patient. Let’s see what we have with our guys right now, and then hit a fucking home run this offseason via draft and free agency. Expectations are tampered this year but I am expecting to really compete come 2019.
Stay tuned in the coming days for my Week 8 Jets keys to victory.
Michael Vallaro Co founder of GCF