The Jets finally managed to get their first win before the bye week, but it’s been a tumultuous week that saw them trade away two of their most talented players.
On Sunday, they host the struggling Browns, who are 2-6. So it’s another winnable game, in theory.
Let’s review the top storylines to watch as the Jets look to improve to 2-7 on the season...
How will the Jets’ secondary cope with Sauce Gardner traded?
The Jets were already without the star cornerback in their last game before the bye and they managed to win. In fact, they won three of the four games he missed since being drafted. However, it would be overly optimistic to expect that pattern to continue.
At least the Jets are not facing an elite quarterback, as Browns rookie Dillon Gabriel is 1-3 as a starter and averaging just 171 passing yards.
All eyes will be on Azareye’h Thomas, as he makes his second career start in place of Gardner. But Brandon Stephens will also be tested -- he'll start covering more top receivers, now that Gardner is a member of the Colts.
How will the Jets’ defensive line look with Quinnen Williams traded?
The Jets also have a fresh hole to fill on their defensive line, and Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins could have a big day as the Jets adjust to life without their defensive anchor. Judkins had a 100-yard game against the Vikings and three touchdowns against the Dolphins, so he is capable of making the Browns’ offense competitive -- even if Gabriel doesn’t put up much yardage.
In Williams’ absence, the main player to watch for the Jets could be Jowon Briggs, who has had an impressive first half of the season and now figures to become a starter with Williams gone. Briggs was with the Browns last season and will no doubt be eager to face off against some of the players he practiced against regularly last year.
Will the new faces play a role?
While most of the media attention was on the departing players, the Jets have added four new players via trade since their last game: Wide receivers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, and defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor. This gives them an injection of young talent with some untapped potential that could be unleashed if any of them get a chance for a regular role.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has said that they are trying to get these players up to speed so that they can contribute as soon as possible. Which of them gets a chance to play this week will be worth paying attention to.
Will the Jets' offense benefit from the bye week?
While the fact that the Jets are coming off a bye week doesn’t necessarily give them any advantage over the Browns, who are themselves coming off their bye, it could still be valuable to New York.
With the extra week off, they are healthier than they’ve been for a long while, with Garrett Wilson one of a number of players due to return. Breece Hall will also be refreshed and looking to build on his big Week 8 game against the Bengals in the wake of not being traded.
In addition, New York’s best game of the season on offense was Week 1 -- the only game where they’ve had more than eight days to prepare. The offense didn’t lose any personnel in the trades -- in fact, they added a couple of fresh faces, so they may even be stronger in the second half. It will be a challenge to execute a successful game plan against a very strong Browns defense, though.
Obviously, Cleveland’s main threat is Myles Garrett. The All-Pro already has 10 sacks, including five against New England in his last game. The Jets will need to do anything they can to mitigate him
Will the turnover battle prove critical?
The Jets have only forced one turnover all season, while the Browns have been forcing plenty of turnovers -- they have 10 in the past six games.
Something interesting about the Browns' defense is that nine different players have forced a fumble and six different players have intercepted a pass. Clearly, they have a variety of defenders capable of making plays, while the Jets have spent most of the season waiting for anyone to step up in this area.
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