When the Jets hired head coach Aaron Glenn this offseason, his message to Jets fans was to “buckle in” to get ready for what was coming. The head coach should have the same message for his defense this Sunday as they prepare to take on Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.
Now in his tenth pro season, Prescott is completing a career high 73.9% of his passes in head coach Brian Shcottenheimer’s offense. Over his past two starts, that number is an even more impressive at 77.5%. So what does that mean for a struggling Jets secondary? Strap up and be ready to play.
Here’s a look at the key matchups for Tomorrow’s game.
CB Sauce Gardner vs WR George Pickens:
Pickens has been the Cowboy’s most productive wide receiver this season, hauling in 21 balls for 300 yards and and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Gardner has been inconsistent at best after a dominant week 1 showing against the Steelers. The All-Pro cornerback has drawn multiple flags and Pickens plays a physical brand of football.
WR Garrett Wilson vs CB Trevon Diggs:
Diggs hasn’t been his usual self in the early going this year, having allowed six catches for over 130 yards and 3 touchdowns on eight targets. If he’s not at the top of his game, the Jets should look to exploit it and saturate Wilson with targets.
Edge Will McDonald vs Nate Thomas:
The Cowboys are hurting on the offensive line with three starters expected to sit. For Thomas, this will be his first start as a pro after being drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 draft. If the Jets have any hope at all of slowing Prescott down, they’re going to need their star pass rusher to take advantage of this favorable matchup. Same goes for Quinnen Williams who will be facing a pair of backups on the inside.
QB Justin Fields vs LB Jack Sanborn:
The Jets offense is at its best when Justin Fields is making plays with his legs. Be it on a designed run or impromptu, the Cowboys are going to want to contain Fields and Sanborn will be right in middle of it all for Dallas. Expect him to spy Fields and have the responsibility of preventing big plays on the ground.
Prediction:
The Jets haven’t given anyone any reason to believe they’re capable of slowing down any offense, let alone a group that scored forty points last week. The Jets will put up some points themselves, but come up short.
Dallas: 34
Jets: 24
