The “Baby Jets” put themselves on everyone’s radar with a statement win at Lambeau Field.
What’s more impressive about this Jets football team — winners of four of their first six games this season? Or a 3-0 record away from home? There’s no debate, however, that this team is making it impossible for the rest of the league to overlook anymore.
On Sunday, one of the youngest teams in the NFL took Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers into the deep waters. Head coach Robert Saleh said afterwards the mindset for the Jets was to take the fight to the Packers. One body blow after the other, Saleh’s message got through loud and clear to his players.
Breece Hall ran for 116 yards and Quinnen Williams had two of New York’s four sacks against Rodgers. The Jets won their third straight, 27-10, over Green Bay.
The Jets (4-2) are trending upwards. Sunday was another impressive showing by Saleh’s young squad.
“Just keep giving them body blow after body blow after body blow and just keep hitting them,” Saleh said. “Just keep hitting them in the mouth. O-line just keep pushing and leaning on them. And we felt like if we could just keep taking them down the deep water, they’ll find out they can’t swim. It was just a mindset.”
The Run Game & The O-Line delivered the body blows
The Jets took control in the second half with their run game wearing down Green Bay’s defense. The offensive line opened running lanes for Hall and Michael Carter to do their damage. With all the changes the O-Line has gone through this season due to injuries, the Jets are getting max-effort from this unit. Moreover, Hall — in case you’re not aware yet — is the real deal.
The Defense We’ve Been Waiting For Under Saleh Has Showed Up
The Jets sacked Aaron Rodgers four times and hit him nine times. The defense neutralized Green Bay’s run game, holding Aaron Jones to just 19 yards on nine carries. Saleh’s unit was “All Gas No Breaks” with a defensive line which continues to apply pressure on the quarterback. Rodgers looked frustrated as the Jets snuffed out any momentum the Packers were trying to build. Take away the run, limit the air attack, and make sure you’re not beating yourselves in the process. Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich have this unit clicking on all cylinders right now.
Zach Wilson — not pretty, but effective
Wilson completed just 10 of 18 passes for 110 yards and no TDs. However, he also protected the football. For the second straight game, Wilson posted zero giveaways. He made the throws the Jets needed him to make, specifically a 41-yard completion to Corey Davis in the second half. Wilson continues to do a good job of keeping the offense in sync and, like Daniel Jones for the Giants right now, doing more to help the Jets win games than lose them.
Looking Ahead
This Sunday, the Jets are at Denver looking for another road victory.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
