Jets Preview: How to handle an explosive Raiders offense
After the Jets defense was exposed last week against Buffalo, many questions arose as to how this unit will improve going forward. Now, with a tougher challenge ahead in the Oakland Raiders, this defense is going to have to step up to cover up the holes we spotted in Week 1.
Ground Game
The Jets got burned on the ground last week. Lesean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor utilized their running abilities to absolutely obliterate a Jets defense that was once one of the best against the run.
They will face a similar challenge this week with Marshawn Lynch and the Raiders dominate running back committee, who likely took plenty of notes from the Jets Week 1 fall out.
The linebackers will need to play in position, unlike last week, where Darron Lee and DeMario Davis were caught in tough spots, allowing Buffalo to move the ball easily. Marshawn isn’t as much of a pass-catching back as McCoy, so if the Jets are able to stay tight upfront and play well in short-yard coverage, they should be able to limit the Raiders from doing extensive damage on the ground.
Passing Attack
Rookies Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye played quite well in their first regular season tilt, however they now go up against a playoff-caliber offense.
Derek Carr will likely try and expose the Jets inconsistencies in the deep part of the field. We saw the Jets slip up on many big plays last week, allowing Jordan Matthews and Charles Clay to take advantage of an open field.
Amari Cooper will be the main threat. The Jets may need to apply extra coverage on him to limit big plays down the field. This will require Buster Skrine and Morris Claiborne to play conservatively. They were both exposed for their shakiness last week.
Carr Crash
Something the Jets failed to do in the opener: hit the quarterback. The Jets defense only garnered two sacks last week, something that will need to change this Sunday if they hope to keep it close with Oakland.
This means Muhammad Wilkerson, who seemed to play quite slow last game, and Leonard Williams, will need to work holes into the Raiders tough offensive line. While they both may see double coverage at times, newest acquisition Kony Ealy will be heavily relied on to make some big plays, something he proved he can still do last week.
Standout Josh Martin should see more free space as well. At 6’3″, 245 lbs, he can be quick off the edge, something the Raiders may not prepare for as much with Williams and Wilkerson likely being bigger threats.
– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for cover32/Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @cover32_NYJ
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