This offseason, Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh echoed the statement.
“We have a gap too close.”
When talking about how they match up against their division rivals, the truth is that the Jets have failed to win a division game in the past two years, going 0-12 in that span. Not only have they been losing, but they have gotten their doors blown off more often than not.
In those 12 games, they have been outscored 358 to 158. That is, on average, losing by 16.6 points per game.
In their first divisional matchup of the 2022 season, the Jets proved to be up to the task by dominating both sides of the ball, leading to a 23-point win. When looking back at the tape, three names pop off the screen repeatedly— DE Carl Lawson, CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, and RB Breece Hall.
Breece Hall
Through the first quarter of the season, we have seen flashes from rookie running back Hall, but he hadn’t been able to string a whole game together. After their last game Hall went up to OC Mike LeFleur and told him,
“I’m starting to get more comfortable.”
And it showed as Hall had his breakout performance in week 5. Hall combined for 197 yards from scrimmage, 97 of those came via the run and another 100 yards receiving. Including his impressive 79-yard catch and run at the end of the first quarter that put the Jets at the 1-yard line.
Hall also scored one touchdown as he muscled it in with 9:09 left in the 4th quarter, which helped put the game on ice.
One could argue he should have had three touchdowns, as he fell half a yard short on two separate receptions. But, all things being said, Hall is proving he was worth the 36 overall pick.
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner
In the week leading up to this game, a lot was being made about how Gardner would match up against the fastest wide receiver duo in the league in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who are both top 10 in yards this year.
It is safe to say Gardner also had his coming-out party, as he put his fingerprints all over the game.
In the first defensive snap of the game, Gardner was sent on a corner blitz, which resulted in a QB hit and, more importantly, a safety that gave the Jets an early 2-0 lead.
With 8:03 left in the second quarter, Gardner did a terrific job reading the quarterback’s eyes, undercutting the route, and getting his first NFL career interception. In the ensuing possession, the Jets offense scored a touchdown to stretch the lead to 19-7.
His only negative play was a pass interference call when matchup against Hill late in the first quarter.
According to PPF Sauce, Gardner allowed a 34.2 passer rating in coverage in week 5. That is less than if the QB threw an incompletion on every target.
Through 5 games, Gardner is proving to be an elite talent and has gradually improved each week.
Carl Lawson
It has been a slow start of the season for defensive end Carl Lawson, who returned from an Achilles tear in 2021. Through 4 weeks, he only got credit for 0.5 sacks even though he has generated consistent “pressures.”
In week 5, Lawson knocked off all the rust and was in the backfield almost every play.
He accumulated 9 pressures, 6 QB hits, and one sack late in the 4th quarter, resulting in a forced fumble.
According to PPF, Lawson had the highest grade by any Jets player (92.5) and a pass rush win rate of 47% in week 5. (Mean for edge rushers is 16%)
As it stands currently, Lawson is 2nd in the NFL in QB hits (12)
After the game, Coach Saleh said
“He’s gaining confidence; he’s getting stronger and stronger every week.”
If Lawson continues to build off of his great day, it will come as no surprise when his sack numbers take a significant leap and he becomes the dominant edge rusher the Jets have been looking for, for over a decade.
