In 2014, the New York Jets had one of the most vaunted pass rushes in the National Football League. That season, the Jets finished with 45 team sacks, tying for sixth in the league with Jacksonville. It was the last time the Jets would finish in the top ten in the NFL in sacks. Since then, the well has dried up. The Jets haven’t come close to the top ten in the league in sacks over the last seven seasons, let alone the 45 in 2014. There was a lot of hope the Jets would get to the opposing quarterback this season. But in two games, the numbers have been paltry. This Sunday, though, the New York Jets – and especially the pass rush – could bump their numbers up.
Opportunities for Sacks in First Two Weeks
The New York Jets pass rush has their chances over first two weeks of this season to get plenty of sacks. In Week 1, the defensive plan was to contain Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson. For the most part, the front seven did just that, sacking Jackson twice in the first half. In fact, the Jets became the first team in Jackson’s career to limit him to under 20 yards rushing (6 receptions, 17 yards). However, the Ravens’ pass protection limited the Jets’ pass rush to only four quarterback hurries all game long. Part of the reason was the fear of what Jackson could do with his legs as the Jets blitzed five times. Jackson, though, killed the Jets with his arm, lighting up the secondary with three touchdown passes en route to a 24-9 win.
In Week 2 against Cleveland, the Jets had moderate success against Jacoby Brissett. The primary objective was stopping the Browns’ vaunted dual threat running game of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Brissett had a good game, finishing 22-of-27 for 229 yards and for the most part, his offensive line did an effective job protecting him. The Jets’ defensive line pressured Brissett eight times, hurried him five times, hit him twice, and sacked him once. They blitzed the Browns only three times in Week 2, but the secondary sealed a comeback win as Ashtyn Davis picking off Brissett with :22 remaining.
The Bengals Have a Protection Problem
In last season’s Super Bowl, the Cincinnati Bengals were on the verge of a shocking upset over the Los Angeles Rams. However, their offensive line surrendered seven sacks to one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. Their offensive line could not protect quarterback Joe Burrow when it mattered most. This prompted Bengals owner/general manager Mike Brown to make upgrades to the offensive line. The Bengals signed left tackle La’el Collins, center Ted Karras, and guard Alex Cappa. The improvements were supposed to make life easier for Burrow and the Bengals. The first two weeks of the 2022 NFL season, though, have proven otherwise.
In Week 1 against Pittsburgh, the Bengals’ offensive line surrendered 14 pressures, seven sacks, five hurries, and six hits. The Steelers forced five turnovers overall (one fumble, four interceptions) out of Burrow, yet squeaked out a 23-20 overtime win. In Week 2, it was more of the same for Burrow against Dallas. The Cowboys pressured Burrow 13 times, sacking him six times, hurrying him three, and hitting him four times. The Cowboys surrendered an early lead, but rallied for the walk-off 20-17 win. The Bengals offensive line has been a turnstile, and Week 3 just might be the game that the New York Jets’ pass rush breaks out.
Blitz Burrow Early and Often
The one thing that the New York Jets pass rush hasn’t done much over the first two weeks of the 2022 season is blitz the quarterback. Given the scrambling abilities of the first two opponents, I understand. However, the quarterbacks of the teams the Jets play over the next two weeks are primarily pocket passers, Burrow especially. If the Bengals give Burrow enough time, he can carve up opposing defenses. But if you send enough pass rushers in his face, he’ll wilt. That has been proven over the first two weeks of the season.
So, what do the Jets need to do to win on Sunday? Get to Burrow early and get to him often. General manager Joe Douglas has been investing in pass rushers – both in free agency and in the draft – over the past two offseasons. Head coach Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme is built to put pressure on the quarterback. Give Burrow unique looks and send pass rushers after him from all angles. Jets fans have been begging for a breakout season from defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers. They’ve also seen glimpses on what edge rushers Carl Lawson and Jermaine Johnson can do in the first two weeks of this season.
This Sunday against Cincinnati, it’s time to let the big dogs eat!
