The New York Jets’ offensive line, usually a question mark, is suddenly looking like a brick wall through two weeks, posting some seriously impressive numbers. After their Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers, where Geno Smith apparently had all day to pass, it’s clear this unit is playing way above expectations, especially considering the Packers’ pass rush was missing Micah Parsons.
Jets’ O-Line Is Straight Up Dominating the Trenches
Seriously, the Jets’ O-line is legit. They averaged 2.71 seconds to pressure in Week 2, which was the seventh-highest mark in the entire league, and they were tenth in Week 1. This isn’t just a fluke. PFF has them with the highest pass blocking grade in the NFL at 77.4, and their run blocking grade is a solid 70.0, good for seventh in the league. Where are they truly shining? It’s all about that left side. Third-year left tackle Olu Fashanu is having a great start to the season, and veteran left guard Dylan Parham is just absolutely outstanding, PFF’s number one graded guard, actually. It’s no shocker that the Jets’ most successful runs are consistently heading to the offense’s left. With Detroit’s DJ Wonnum spending most of his time opposite the left tackle, this Week 3 matchup against the Lions is gonna be a massive test for him, and frankly, a huge game overall.
The Run Game? Still a Mystery Box
While the offensive line’s pass protection has been stellar, the Jets’ run game is a whole different story. They put up 152 yards and 3.9 yards per carry in Week 1 against the Titans, which is decent. But then Week 2 against the Packers? Yikes. Just 67 rushing yards and a measly 2.5 yards per carry. That’s a huge drop-off. They had way too many negative plays, with 29.6% of their rushes gaining zero or fewer yards, the third-highest mark in Week 2. Even in Week 1, they were only getting 0.82 yards before contact, which ranks them 25th. That’s a problem, and it means the Lions’ defense is gonna have plenty of chances to get New York behind the sticks. The Packers were aggressive with their linebackers and it totally disrupted the Jets. It just felt like the Jets’ run game was super predictable, especially with them having the second-highest early-down run rate in the NFL through two weeks. That’s gotta be frustrating for the offensive coordinator.
Jets’ Pass Defense Locks Down the Sides, But Opens Up the Middle
On defense, the Jets’ ability to guard the perimeter in the passing game really caught my eye. They did a fantastic job of slowing down the Packers’ wide receiver screens and just erasing the sidelines on deeper throws. Jordan Love mostly had to work over the middle of the field. He completed a bunch of passes near the line of scrimmage, but those plays were mostly ineffective. It was the intermediate stuff over the middle that finally got Green Bay’s offense moving. This is where it gets interesting for Detroit, because that plays right into the strengths of guys like Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown, who absolutely thrive working over the middle. However, you absolutely want to stay away from Azareye’h Thomas. The second-year cornerback was excellent against the Packers, so he’s definitely one to avoid.
The Jets are sitting at 1-1, and this Week 3 game against the Detroit Lions is a huge chance for them to prove their early season O-line dominance isn’t a fluke and maybe, just maybe, figure out that run game. What kind of Jets team will show up this week?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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