Gameday with an opportunity to get to 4-2 is in front of the New York Jets. On the road against an established opponent in the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, who are coming off of a loss, presents the Jets with arguably their best challenge so far this year.
There is about as much familiarity as there can be between two opponents in this one. The LaFleur brothers, Mike and Matt, will each help lead their respective teams. Both head coaches, Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur, go way back. The two started as graduate assistants in 2004 at Central Michigan, where they were roommates. Later on, they were together with the Houston Texans in quality control roles. Knowing the strong relationships they all have with each other, it will be fascinating to see if these teams dial up many unscouted looks for this one.
Playing at Lambeau, the Jets cannot beat themselves. Turnovers, third downs, penalties, red zone, time of possession, and special teams will all be pivotal for the Jets to finish on top.
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New York Jets vs Green Bay Packers Preview:
Starting with the Jets’ offense, it should once again be a big game for the ground attack led by Breece Hall and Michael Carter. The Jets should be able to run the ball well on the Packers.
Up front, it certainly is a luxury for the Jets’ offensive line to have some continuity for two games. They should set the tone and pave the way for an efficient ground game today. In the passing game, the three headliners the Packers have to slow down are Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, and Preston Smith.
In the air, it will be interesting to see if the Jets get more man-coverage looks from the Packers than they have given through their first five games. Ultimately though, smart decision-making, consistent accuracy, and making plays in timely situations will be the key for Zach Wilson and the Jets’ pass catchers.
Defensively, the three focal points for the Jets to key in on are Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, and AJ Dillon. It will be crucial for the Jets’ run defense to pick things up after last week.
The pass rush of the Jets should make a strong impact for the third straight game today. Applying pressure on Rodgers is an obvious key to victory.
On the backend, the Jets are significantly favored, with Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, and Michael Carter II against Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, and Randall Cobb. The Jets’ pass defense should limit big plays. It should translate to not a ton of points scored for the Packers.
The lone quality performance that the Packers have had this year was in Week 2, which was at home against the Chicago Bears. They have not had tons of success offensively.
At home two weeks ago, they hardly found a way to beat a banged-up New England Patriots team. The difference today is coming off of a loss should have them more fired up. However, they should be fatigued after a long trip back from London.
In the end, this should be a game the Jets win by a field goal. Another great chance to prove progress lies ahead of the Jets this afternoon, and this young football team should make the most of it.