Today, the New York Jets took on the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium for their Week 1 matchup. The Jets ended up losing the game 19-14, but there is a lot more to discuss than the Jets losing their first game of the Zach Wilson-Robert Saleh era for Gang Green.
For starters, this was a matchup between former Jets QB Sam Darnold and current Jets rookie QB Zach Wilson, who was selected 2nd overall in this year's NFL Draft. There were times when both Darnold and former Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson lit up the Jets secondary and made Jets fans reminisce about their time together in Green and White. In the first half alone, Darnold had thrown for over 230 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. However, this is about the Jets and not the Panthers.
In terms of the offense, rookie Zach Wilson had a rocky first half followed by a solid second half. He completed 20 of 37 passes for 258 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. During the first half, he was under constant pressure from the Carolina defense, only throwing for under 100 yards and a pick, and was sacked six times. It appears though that newly acquired WR Corey Davis is going to be Wilson’s favorite target this season, as he caught both of Wilson’s touchdown passes. In addition, WR Jamison Crowder missed today’s game due to COVID protocols and will likely be activated next week. However, there is some concern about Mekhi Becton as he was emotionally carted off the field with an apparent leg injury. What a huge blow that would be to the Jets below-average offensive line.
In terms of the defense, they did whatever they could to keep the Jets in this ballgame. While they had a hard time stopping RB Christian McCaffery, this is a challenge for every team as he is arguably the best running back in the league. It was shown early on in this game that the defense was playing with a lot of pride for their head coach, which is something we as Jets fans have not been able to see in a long time.
Next week, the Jets will travel home to take on their bitter division rivals, the New England Patriots in their home opener. They too are starting a rookie QB in Mac Jones and coming off a tough loss to the Miami Dolphins 17-16. If the Jets are able to find a rhythm earlier in the game and apply Saleh’s “all gas and no brake” mantra, the Jets could come away with win number one of the 2021 NFL Season. Don’t be too upset about today’s loss Jets fans...Wilson will only get better as time goes on!
-Jack Henry Cicio
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