The New York Jets are the very definition of an underdog against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Arron Glenn’s team will have Tyrod Taylor under center as they look to hand Baker Mayfield his first loss of the season.
Granted, it is the Buccaneers’ home opener, and across the board, Tampa Bay is the better team, but as we know, games aren’t played on paper, so while the Buccaneers are the overwhelming favorites, there is a small chance of an upset.
And for CBS Sports’ Jerr Kerr, it hinges on one thing.
“New York heads to Tampa Bay to play a Buccaneers team that’s riding high at 2-0, with both victories coming on the road,” Kerr wrote. “The Jets defense ranks 29th in points allowed per possession (2.91) and is facing a Buccaneers offense with playmakers across the board.
“The Jets need a fast start, or Sunday could be a very long day.”
MORE: How can Chiefs solve non-existent run game?
Starting fast not Jets’ strength
Last week against the Buffalo Bills, New York started the game in the worst way possible.
A three-and-out, followed by a fumble, followed by another punt in the first quarter, isn’t ideal, and if the Jets have any intention of staying close to the Buccaneers, they have to keep pace.
Can Taylor do that with Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall as the two main weapons? They will be tasked with helping the Jets burst out of the blocks, and Tyrod must get them involved.
It might seem a tough thing to accomplish with a backup quarterback, but Taylor has proven he can win games in the league, and as we know, the NFL is a never-say-never league.
If the Jets are to cause an almighty upset, they will have to put up points, and often.
MORE NFL NEWS:
