As the Cleveland Browns prepare to try to extend their winning streak, the schedule brings them an AFC East opponent in the New York Jets. These two teams played last season, with New York coming out with the victory. Similar to the Browns, the Jets are undergoing a rebuild of their own. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith is back at the place he started his career.
Offensively, the unit has young talent led by wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall, who could miss Week 5 with an injury.
Defensively, the unit has some form of veteran presence after lacking in that department previously.
Cleveland is a road underdog heading into Week 5 preparations. Scouting New York ahead of this week’s matchup looks like this
Like the Browns, the Jets received a facelift on offense
On paper, the Jets offense is much improved from a year ago. For starters, having a veteran quarterback like Smith helps. This unit lacked competent quarterback play, but seems to have it now with Smith, who was in a rough situation last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Offensively, the unit has a competent offensive line and good receiving talent. Wilson is a top 20 receiver, Hall is underrated, and rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq gives New York some versatility in their tight end room.
Offensive coordinator Frank Reich isn’t necessarily the best, but he has somehow kept this offense playing at a competent level.
HC Aaron Glenn could be coaching for his job
It’s hard to say that this is the same Jets team from last year. Head coach Aaron Glenn has gone through the ups and downs, but it’s fair to question whether this will be his last season in Gang Green. On paper, New York is better than last year. However, the team should be 2-2 instead of 1-3. The loss to the Green Bay Packers was more about how the Jets gave the game away instead of the Packers outright winning it.
This past Sunday, New York came out flat and were outmatched against a Chicago Bears squad missing superstar quarterback Caleb Williams.
People questioned why the Jets chose to bring back Glenn after last season considering how it went, but if New York doesn’t show any improvement as the season goes on, the team will likely make a change with Glenn, perhaps sooner rather than later.
The Jets defense is improved (?)
Last season, the New York Jets were pretty abysmal on the defensive side of the ball. Before Week 4, the Jets defense had the longest streak without an interception until it was broken by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on Sunday against the Bears.
This season, the unit has veterans on that side of the ball in linebacker Demario Davis and Fitzpatrick, someone Browns fans have high on their dislike list. The secondary has talented pieces in cornerback Azareye’h Thomas and rookie D’Angelo Ponds, however as a collective, the secondary has issues.
In terms of their pass rush, it’s lacking. Despite attempting to improve the area in the offseason, the unit is 29th in terms of pressure rate, and rookie David Bailey hasn’t shown the abilities that made the Jets draft him second overall.
On paper, the unit appears to be improved, but their on-field performance tells a different story. Whether the defense turns it around is something that is worth monitoring.
Overall, the Jets have talent to make things tough on the Browns in Week 5, especially with more veterans on the roster.
How concerned are you about the Jets in Week 5 versus the Browns?
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