With the Jets starting their 2014 campaign at 1-0 and the Patriots in the basement of the AFC East, it seems like roles have reversed. It’s a good time to be a New York Jet or a Jets fan as the first week of the regular season ended in triumph for “Gang Green” with a 19-14 win over the Oakland Raiders. The Jets also came out of week one with the leagues number one defense; a title that isn’t all that surprising. As if this wasn’t impressive enough, Rex’s boys are also the first unit since 2008 to be ranked first in overall defense, run defense and pass defense. Despite lining up against a rookie Raider quarterback, Derek Carr, it’s still a notable achievement for any team in the NFL. The brother of former number one pick David Carr couldn’t figure out the Jets blitz as he was held to a measly 5.4 QBR when the Jets brought at least 5 rushers.
The Jets dominated on defense all afternoon as they held the Raiders formidable rushing duo of Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew to 26 yards combined on 13 carries. David Harris led the charge for the Jets totaling 8 tackles on Sunday. Calvin Pryor shined in his regular season debut at MetLife with 4 total tackles and 2 passes defended laying down some big hits and making great plays. Vick called Pryor a “football player” and Rex Ryan seems pleased with his decision to take Pryor over Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix who they will face this Sunday at Lambeau. Rex Ryan was quoted saying that “we would’ve been happy with either safety, but I took the guy who will knock your face in.” With a reputation like that, it’s no wonder the former Cardinal was deemed the “Louisville Slugger” in his college years. However he gave himself a “B-” which is scary for anyone who faces the Jets as Pryor’s ceiling for ability is limitless. The Jets defense has a tough task ahead playing Aaron Rodgers and the Pack this Sunday in their season opener in Green Bay. This coming after the Packers got blown away opening night by the Seahawks and the “12’s” in Seattle. However, there is good news for the Jets coming into the game this Sunday as Dee Milliner is expected to return to the starting lineup. The Jets number one defensive ranking is going to be on the line this Sunday while the Packers look to get the ball rolling on offense after their less than stellar showing in week one. There’s going to be a lot of dreadlocks in the backfield with Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson for the Jets and Eddy Lacy for the Pack.
The Jets will have their hands full with Rodgers, but can’t forget about Lacy who continues to become an elite back in just his second season. However, the Jet’s offense seems to be firing on all cylinders after a rough preseason. New York totaled over 400 yards of offense against the Raiders with a balanced attack. Geno Smith played exceptionally well despite a few mental errors and a pretty poor QBR of 32.3. He converted one touchdown and one interception, throwing for 221 yards and rushing for 38 doing his best Michael Vick impression. Vick however attempted only one pass which came in the redzone on a play where he lined up on the outside as a wideout. Vick went into motion and took the handoff but couldn’t find Eric Decker in the corner of the endzone. Eric Decker had a solid debut for the Jets as he totaled five catches for 74 yards on six targets to lead the Jets in receiving yards. On the ground, the Jets effectively rushed for a team total of 212 yards on 34 carries. Chris Ivory led the way as he rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Ivory’s touchdown came on a 71 yard scamper as he gave the Jets the lead in the fourth quarter. Chris Johnson was a solid contributor in the debut of the Jets “two dreaded monster” as he totaled 68 yards on 13 carries. Johnson also had 23 yards receiving including a touchdown to give Gang Green the lead in the second quarter.
With everything going right for the Jets after week one it’s hard to count them out Sunday afternoon against the Packers. The Packers also hold a rather surprising eight point favorite over the Jets this week, a number I’m sure Rex and company aren’t too thrilled about. Look for the Jets to come at the Packers with every package they have on defense to try and disrupt Rodgers as the Seahawks did week one. If Rodgers gets in rhythm against a suspect Jets secondary it could be a long day for the visitors in New York. However the return of Dee Milliner makes a huge difference in the Jets back four and if Calvin Pryor can win the safety battle against fellow rookie Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, we’re looking at a really good match up in Wisconsin. Marshawn Lynch turned the Packers defense into Swiss cheese opening night, so look for a heavy dose of Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson to try and open up play action in the passing game. Without BJ Raji the Packers are softer up the middle, so look for Chris Ivory to get his shares being the power back. If Geno Smith can limit turnovers, control the game and continue to use his legs to scramble, I see the Jets as a favorite to win this game based on their prolific front seven. I think the Jets keep flying at a high altitude with my final score prediction at 24-17 J-E-T-S.
