JETS vs TITANS WEEK 4 PREVIEW

• Jets (0-3) Last 3 games: Denver, Patriots, Panthers
• Titans (2-1) Last 3 games: Colts, Seahawks, Cardinals
• Game Time/Date: Sunday October 3, 2021, 1:00 pm
• Where: MetLife Stadium
• TV: CBS, Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta
• Weather: Partly cloudy. High 80 F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
• Odds via FanDuel: Titans -6, Total: 44.5

On a quest to find their first victory of 2021, the New York Jets welcome the Tennessee Titans to MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The Titans, winners of two straight, represent an interesting test for Gang Green. After facing three top-five defenses in terms of yards allowed, New York gets a “break” as the 15th ranked Titans roll into East Rutherford.

Both teams dealing with injuries to key players

Both teams are dealing with injuries as Tennessee will be without their top two wide receivers, A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. With Brown and Jones out on Sunday, the Titans will be paper-thin at wideout, all other receivers on the active roster have tallied just 10 receptions in 2021. Offseason free-agent pass-rush specialist, Bud Dupree has been ruled out for Sunday, as has rookie cornerback Caleb Farley.

On the Jets injury front, safety Marcus Maye will miss 3-4 weeks with an ankle injury the Jets announced earlier in the week. Erik Burkhardt, Maye’s agent, raised eyebrows when he announced on Twitter that Maye, who is playing on the franchise tag, “Should be back fully healthy just before the trade deadline.”

Losing Maye is a big blow to the Jets’ secondary. The former Florida Gator is the unit’s most experienced player and the depth behind him is not great. Second-year safety Ashtyn Davis, who has missed the first three games of 2021, returned to practice this week. Davis would be a welcome addition to the Jets’ defensive backfield if he is activated for the Titans game.

Two receivers dealing with head injuries

Wide receivers Elijah Moore and Jeff Smith are both out with concussions. Moore left last week’s game with a head injury. Smith was injured in a car accident during the week on his way to practice. On a positive note, New York should see the first action of the season for veteran receiver Jamison Crowder as he returns from a groin injury. The bizarre season of second-year pass-catcher Denzel Mims looks to get going as head coach Robert Saleh said Mims will be active this week. The former Baylor Bear has been a healthy scratch the past two games.

Titans defense by the numbers

When the Jets have the ball

Wilson will face a defense that is giving up 28 points per game. The Titans have done a good job creating pressure, lead by Harold Landry‘s 20 total pressures, 10 of which came last week against the Colts. Tennessee has allowed opposing wide receivers to rack up 226.7 yards per game, third-worst in the NFL. Last week the Jets’ offense was mostly stagnant. On the only drive where they moved the ball, Mike LaFleur dialed up plays the get the ball out of Wilson’s hands quickly. With Wilson often running for his life, he’s been sacked a league-high 15 times, LaFleur needs to manufacture quick easy throws for the rookie. Getting Crowder on the field should also help the rookie quarterback.

When the Jets are on defense

With the Titans top two receivers out, the Jets should expect an even heavier dose of Derrick Henry, is that even possible? Henry has 353 rushing yards on the season, going over 100 yards the past two games. He also has 12 catches on 12 targets for 105 yards. Expect the Jets to load the box as they attempt to slow down King Henry. With Brown and Jones out New York will be able to focus on the running game while playing more man coverage.

While the Jets defense has overachieved thus far in 2021 one area that could go a long way in helping them get their first win of the season is the turnover battle. Gang Green has just two takeaways through three games. Tennessee has turned the ball over seven times this season, tied for second-most in the NFL.

Predictions

After what we watched last week in Denver it may be hard to think the Jets win this week or any week for that matter. But I’m an optimist and I believe Wilson and the Jets will be able to move the ball and actually score a touchdown, something they have not done in eight quarters! The Titans are just too banged up on offense and I think the Jets will be able to keep them in check. Henry will probably still have a solid day rushing the ball, he’s just that good, but with a lack of weapons in the passing game they will be limited in what they can do. Jets 25, Titans 16.