Robert Saleh and the New York Jets suffered a massive blow in Week 1 when newly acquired future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. At that moment, it seemed almost a lock that they would end up missing the playoffs.
But six weeks into the season, they sit at a somewhat respectable 3-3 after a surprising 20-14 win over the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Jalen Hurts went just 28 of 45 and threw three interceptions, and he was unable to convert a first down on his team’s last drive with a shot to win the game.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh threw some shade at the Eagles following the game, as this was his team’s first-ever win over the Eagles, as well as the Eagles’ first loss of 2023.
Even though Philly had been undefeated, there was a sense that it was not playing up to its capability, as it had won just one game by double digits and hadn’t faced any teams that seem to have a great shot at making it to the playoffs.
New York got the job done on defense, as it caged the Eagles’ normally dangerous running game and held them to just 80 yards on the ground, 47 of them coming from Hurts.
Indeed, the defensive side of the ball is where New York will have to get it done this season without Rodgers. Zach Wilson, the man now starting under center, isn’t exactly a world-beater, and the team is currently just 22nd in points scored and 29th in total yards gained.
Last season, the Jets were fourth in both points and total yards given up. Many cited their defense, as well as the development of second-year wide receiver Garrett Wilson, as a big reason they could be Super Bowl contenders prior to Rodgers’ injury.
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