This is going to be the toughest test besides having three straight short weeks for the New York Jets as they end their three game home stead against an established Minnesota Vikings team that is currently sitting at 3-2-1. Sam Darnold will have his work cut out for him because he is going up against a Vikings defense that is committed to stopping the run, which they allowed about 92.1 rushing yards (NFL.com). That is 9th in the league, so Darnold may have to throw the ball about 30 times a game and fortunately this scary secondary featuring veterans Xavier Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith only ranks 19th in the league in allowing passing yards, which is 266.8.
But this game more about the events that occurred during the off season, when Kirk Cousins used the Jets as bait to sign with the Minnesota Vikings but it didn’t go as bad as the Jets ended up drafting Sam Darnold and was able to build around the rest of the team. They wouldn’t have been able to do it if Cousins decided to sign here because the Jets offered him $90 million with fully guaranteed money and although it is still early to tell if Darnold is our franchise quarterback, it worked out better that Cousins didn’t sign with them. Here is what to expect from this game:
Just like old times: The Jets have released Terrelle Pryor after what as been an up and down start of the season for him and activated Darnolds former USC teammate Deontay Burnett from the practice squad. These two players had quite the chemistry at USC and I predict, they will go back to where they left off with gang green.
Did someone say pass rush?: Last week the Jets didn’t record a single sack against the Colts but they will get 3 against the Minnesota offensive line that has allowed 18 sacks this season.
Adam Thielen will torch the Jets banged up secondary: Marcus Maye will be out for about a month after injuring his thumb last week, and Trumaine Johnson is listed as doubtful, meaning that Adam Thielen will have a big game against the this hurt secondary of the Jets by catching 10 passes for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns.