Preview, prediction, what to observe for
An inside have a look at Sunday’s Jets-Steelers NFL Week 1 matchup at MetLife Stadium:
Marquee matchup
Jets QB Justin Fields vs. Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers
No, they received’t really be going through off with one another on the sector, however this recreation is the primary evaluation of the Jets’ offseason determination at quarterback.
They determined to maneuver on from the longer term Corridor of Famer in Rodgers and roll the cube with Fields, who they signed to a two-year, $40 million contract after one 12 months in Pittsburgh.
Each quarterbacks downplayed going through their former employer this week.
Rodgers: “I’ll simply be excited for Week 1.”
Fields: “Cool, calm and picked up. It’s one other recreation, to be sincere with you.”
That is the primary time in NFL historical past that quarterbacks in a Week 1 recreation are each going through the groups for which they began the season opener the 12 months earlier than.
Fields additionally may turn out to be the primary quarterback to win a season opener for one group then beat that very same group within the opener the subsequent 12 months.
Glenn may need kicked Rodgers to the curb however he is aware of what the 41-year-old QB continues to be able to.
“He challenges in all methods, so far as him as a thrower, getting guys out and in of the huddle, having the ability to see the protection, having the ability to put the blokes in the appropriate place,” Glenn stated. “Hear, he’s a future Corridor of Famer. Everyone knows that. So, he’s going to trigger issues it doesn’t matter what.”
4 downs
On the run
The Jets had one of many worst speeding assaults within the NFL final season.
They have been lifeless final in speeding makes an attempt, second to final in speeding yards and scored a measly eight speeding touchdowns.
The plan this 12 months is to flip these numbers round.
With Justin Fields, Breece Corridor and Braelon Allen main the way in which, the Jets have made no secret of the plan to be a run-heavy, run-first group.
They’ve careworn they need their identification on offense to be centered across the run.
“We wish to be a quick, bodily, and violent outfit,” offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand stated.
The offensive line obtained dealt a blow this week when proper guard Alijah Vera-Tucker was misplaced for the season with a torn triceps.
They’re anticipated to maneuver heart Joe Tippmann to protect and begin Josh Myers at heart.
Jermaine jolt
The Jets are getting again considered one of their key gamers on protection on this recreation with edge rusher Jermaine Johnson returning to motion after lacking nearly all of final season.
Johnson tore the Achilles tendon in his proper leg in Week 2 final 12 months towards the Titans and missed the remainder of the season.
He was coming off a promising 2023 season when he had 7.5 sacks.
He returned to apply on the finish of coaching camp and is able to sack Aaron Rodgers, who he grew to become shut with throughout his time with the Jets.
“One of many first issues I stated to Aaron when he obtained right here is: ‘I’m comfortable you’re right here. I’m simply mad I’ll by no means be capable of sack you,’ ” Johnson stated. “So, yeah, I’m excited.”
For openers
The Jets have been dismal in season openers in recent times.
Over the previous 9 years, they’ve received simply twice.
A type of was two years in the past after they beat the Payments in additional time, however the victory was fully overshadowed by Rodgers tearing his Achilles tendon.
The opposite win got here in 2018 when Sam Darnold made a splash in his debut with a 48-17 victory over the Lions.
No Jets coach has received his debut with the group since Todd Bowles in 2015.
Fields would be the group’s seventh totally different beginning quarterback in a season opener up to now 10 years — becoming a member of Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Zach Wilson, Darnold, Josh McCown and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Taylor made
There was loads of consideration paid to who the Jets’ No. 2 vast receiver might be, however simply as vital often is the manufacturing they get from their tight ends.
Rookie Mason Taylor might be making his debut and is predicted to have an enormous function within the offense.
Taylor missed a few of coaching camp with a excessive ankle sprain, however the coaches sound assured in what he can do.
“I really feel actually good about Mason,” Engstrand stated. “Mason is a great, instinctual soccer participant, and, after all, it’s arduous at all times while you miss somewhat little bit of time, however he’s picked up proper the place he left off, and we really feel like he’s in a very great spot heading into the sport.”
Costello’s name
This one could possibly be a slugfest.
Although the headlines might be about Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields, this recreation may come right down to who controls the road of scrimmage.
I believe this recreation might be shut, then Fields leads the Jets to a victory, throwing a game-winner to Allen Lazard, who beats his previous buddy Rodgers.
Jets 21, Steelers 17
