The Jets showed just how good they can be and just how shaky they could be. But the most important thing is that they entered the bye week with a 5-1 record.
Two weeks ago, the team overcame a two-interception performance by Mark Sanchez for a 24-20 win over the Denver Broncos.
That win showed the Jets can overcome shoddy play. Contending teams do that. As uplifting as that win was, there are still some issues that need to be sorted out. The Jets host the Packers in a key inter-conference game on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
Believe it or not, the biggest issue facing the Jets is the defense. Although still talented, the Jets defense hasn’t had quite the sting it had last season. On passing plays, the Jets blitz was hard to figure out. That hasn’t been the case this season. Brett Favre carved up the secondary on Monday night a few weeks ago. If not for an overthrow of Percy Harvin and his customary pick-six in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, the Jets might have two losses now.
Miami’s Chad Henne made mince meat of the Jets secondary throwing for 363 yards and two touchdowns. Denver quarterback Kyle Orton wasn’t as prolific as Henne, but there were times when he had his way with the Jets secondary.
The Jets need several things to happen to get the defense back to where it was last season. First, Darrelle Revis needs to get healthy. He and Antonio Cromartie would form the best cornerback duo in the NFL. The blitz packages also need to change a little. Opposing offenses are starting to get wise to the Jets blitzes, making it tougher to apply pressure.
The Packers have one of the league’s top passers in Aaron Rodgers and a rock-solid receiving core led by Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. If the Jets secondary isn’t whole and Calvin Pace stays limited, it could be a shootout. Sanchez’ improved play notwithstanding, the wheels could fall off quickly if he’s forced to throw a ton of passes.