The New York Jets entered the 2022 season filled with exciting skill talent. Whether it be at running back, wide receiver, or tight end, the Jets had some talented starters and even quality depth to boot at each skill position group.
Unfortunately, for most of the year, though, it has been a struggle to consistently keep as many players involved as possible.
From newly-signed tight end CJ Uzomah to promising second-year players Elijah Moore and Michael Carter, or Braxton Berrios, who was paid well in the offseason, there have been way too many skill players not integrated into the offense enough.
- Jets finally trade Zach Wilson to Broncos for late-round pick swap in 2024 NFL Draft
- Jets soar in 2024’s five-year NFL Draft team analysis rankings
- Zach Wilson skipping Jets voluntary offseason workouts while trade talks stall
New York Jets finally spread football around, accomplish balanced attack:
As most thought, the change under center from Zach Wilson to Mike White could lead to more opportunities for everyone. Having the quarterback just effectively play within the structure and timing of the offense, taking what is there, was all that was required. And it ended up being the case.
The Jets got contributions from a wide range of players in Sunday’s thrilling 31-10 win. There were three running backs, five wide receivers, and two tight ends who all made an impact at some point. Exactly what this unit needed. The production from each player is listed below.
Running Back:
- Zonovan “Bam” Knight: 17 total touches (14 rushing attempts), 103 scrimmage yards (69 rushing)
- Ty Johnson: six total touches (five rushing attempts), 78 scrimmage yards (62 rushing)
- Michael Carter: eight total touches (six rushing attempts), 36 scrimmage yards (21 rushing)
Wide Receiver:
- Garrett Wilson: six total touches, five receptions for 95 yards, and two touchdowns
- Elijah Moore: three total touches, two receptions for 64 yards, and one touchdown
- Denzel Mims: one catch for 11 yards
- Corey Davis: one catch (three targets) for nine yards
- Braxton Berrios: three total touches for 13 yards, one catch
Tight End:
- Tyler Conklin: three catches for 50 yards
- CJ Uzomah: three catches for 17 yards
In total, six players had rushing attempts, and 10 players caught a pass. All three running backs had at least five carries. Of the 10 players to haul in a reception, five of them had at least three targets. This is the perfect type of production that the Jets need from these three position groups.
It will only force defenses moving forward to play honest and balanced, not just keying in specifically on one player like Garrett Wilson.
Even taking things a step further from a balance standpoint, Mike LaFleur did a wonderful job with the run-to-pass ratio in this one. The Jets threw the football 28 times and ran it 30. An ideal style that LaFleur would probably always love to play.
Of course, this production was against a bad football team. It is important not to overreact. Nonetheless, hopefully, this can just be the start for this Jets offense in terms of keeping all of the players at each position busy. They undeniably have the talent and depth at all three positions to build on this success throughout the rest of 2022.