For the first time in the 2024 season, the Jets are victorious after their 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. The Jets pick up a much needed first victory as they head into a very short week with a date with the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
It wasn't an easy win by any measures, but the Jets got the job done. There were multiple areas of improvement after their disappointing first loss in San Francisco. For starters, the defense was able to get back on track after completely shutting down Tennessee in the second half of this game.
Along with forcing a couple of huge turnovers, the Jets defense allowed just 7 second half points which came along with a huge defensive stand after the Titans were threatening to send the game to overtime late in the fourth quarter. Will McDonald shined in this game after recording a career high three sacks. He had just four all of last season.
The defense did suffer a brutal blow after it was confirmed that Jermaine Johnson did indeed tear his achilles. It seems like season after season the Jets lose a big piece of their team early in the season and fall behind because of it.
Johnson's presence on the defensive line is huge, but fortunately the Jets do have depth in this area. With the outburst of Will McDonald, the Jets will look for him to assume a larger role throughout the 2024 season. Other guys that will need to step up include Michael Clemons and Takk McKinley.
CJ Mosley also left this game early but fortunately his injury was not as severe as Johnson's. His hope is to play on Thursday, so this injury seems it will not be long term. New York was also without DJ Reed, but Brandin Echols stepped up big time in his absence with a huge interception. Gang Green will hope that both Reed and Mosley can go come Thursday night.
The offense also showed some signs of encouragement on Sunday as well. The emergence of rookie Braelon Allen was on full display. Allen caught a touchdown and rushed for the game winning touchdown during the win on Sunday. His role was heavily increased from his minimal one on Monday night in Santa Clara.
Giving Allen an increased role is the perfect thing for Breece Hall and the Jets. There are some people talking about Braelon Allen as potentially a Derrick Henry 2.0. Drawing these comparisons is no joke and it seems as if the sky is the limit for the rookie running back.
The offensive line is looking much improved from their debut just a week ago as well. With all of the new additions and shakeups this offseason, the line was very hyped up and given high expectations. Those expectations looked like they were met yesterday and will continue to be placed on them week after week.
Aaron Rodgers looked like he took yet another step back as well. Throwing for two touchdowns and continuously making big throw after big throw, Rodgers is looking more and more like his pre-achilles injury self.
After Rodgers threw for multiple touchdowns in the past two weeks, it is the first time since the 2021 season where a Jets quarterback has thrown for multiple touchdowns in back to back games. An absolutely absurd stat that points in the direction of hope for the Jets in 2024.
The Jets will head home for the first time this season after going from Santa Clara to Nashville on their brief two game road trip. They will take on the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football in a highly anticipated matchup at JetLife Stadium.
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