The New York Jets experienced a shutout in Week 3 at the hands of the Denver Broncos.
In that game, rookie quarterback Zach Wilson threw 19 completions for 160 yards and two interceptions.
The Broncos limited the Jets to 162 total yards and 11 first downs.
New York had 43 rushing yards and gained 3.1 yards per play.
A week before, Wilson threw four interceptions against the New England Patriots.
Friendly reminder on this Wednesday morning that:
Zach Wilson isn’t a bust after 3 games
The #Jets are going to score points against the Titans
He can do this…
— NYJ MIKE (@NyjMike) September 29, 2021
They failed to score a touchdown in that game even though they had more third-down conversions than their opponent.
Two field goals from Matt Ammendola prevented them from having two consecutive shutouts.
However, their Week 2 performance is a step down from their production during opening week.
Wilson threw two touchdown passes to Corey Davis against the Carolina Panthers.
It was a close contest but former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold had the last laugh.
Without question, the Jets are the worst team among the five winless teams in 2021.
“[Zach Wilson has] got to get the ball out.” pic.twitter.com/oJhVfqAyxw
— Hunter Miller (@MillerHHunter) September 27, 2021
They rank 30th in total yards per game at 250 and 31st in touchdowns with two.
The Jets are also 30th in passing yards per game at 170 and 29th in rushing yards with 80 per game.
Worse, their 6.7 points per game is last in the league.
They are miles behind 31st-ranked Chicago, which scores 13.3 per game.
The Jets have a chance to bounce back against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4.
However, here are the indicators that the team is trending in the right direction.
3. Neutralize Derrick Henry
That goal is easier said than done.
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year is already getting his stride after rushing for 182 yards and three touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks.
He followed that up with 113 yards against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts.
On paper, the Jets are giving up 80 run yards per game.
However, some theories can explain this number.
Confirmed: @KingHenry_2 is still a freight train 🚂
📺: Watch #INDvsTEN on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/ExObV6mSIs
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 26, 2021
Perhaps their opponents are racking up passing yards.
But they’re giving up 217.3 per game which ranks 10th.
Sadly, teams need not pile up the yards to defeat them because they don’t perform well on offense.
But holding Derrick Henry to less than 100 yards is a good sign of progress.
2. Fewer Penalties
The Jets committed eight penalties for 77 yards against the Patriots.
Meanwhile, New England had six for 54 yards.
Against Denver, they had eight penalties for 89 yards while the Broncos committed six for 50 yards.
Giving free yards due to infractions makes it easier for opponents to score points.
#Jets go into half down 17-0.
Wilson: 9/15, 56 yards. Sacked 4 times. 2 drops (1 on MC, 1 on Davis)
Carter: 4 carries, 11 yards
Davis: 3 catches, 24 yards
Moore: 2 catches, 19 yards#Jets sloppy with penalties and situational football again (cost themselves 3 points)
— Joe Caporoso (@JCaporoso) September 26, 2021
Even if they end up not scoring, prolonging drives lessens the Jets’ time of possession.
The Jets must play a disciplined game to stand a chance against Tennessee.
The Titans have fewer penalties than their opponents in all the games they played so far.
They committed four violations for 24 yards in their 25-16 win over the Colts.
1. Score Touchdowns
Mike LaFleur must add more wrinkles to their offense to give Wilson more options.
Having more play-action won’t hurt to keep the Titans guessing.
Eyes on Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/Sbk4y86boi
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 29, 2021
Creating shifts and diversions can also help their wide receivers get open downfield.
Tennessee gives up 259.3 passing yards per game, and Wilson must exploit this weakness to score points.
The Jets must be assertive to punch the ball through the end zone, which they haven’t done in two games.
NEXT: Things Only Getting Worse For Zach Wilson And The Jets