The Jets' offense has gotten off to a promising start with consecutive 3-touchdown games to begin the season. HC Robert Saleh, however, feels like the unit, led by four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, is only scratching the surface.
"Man, we still have so much left in the tank," Saleh told reporters on Monday, the morning after the 24-17 win at Tennessee. "There are a lot of guys on the offense that haven't played in a while and haven't been in the lineup due to injury. We are looking at an offense that is still looking for itself but still able to generate scoring drives more so than most teams in this organization's past."
The Jets' offense overcame a slow start on Sunday, to score on 4-of-7 possessions over the final three quarter, including touchdown drives to end the first half and begin the second.
The tailback duo of Breece Hall and rookie Braelon Allen delivered 170 scrimmage yards – 95 on the ground and 75 through the air – and 3 touchdowns (1 rushing and 2 receiving) including the game-winning score, a 20-yard Allen ramble with 4:31 remaining.
"I thought [OC Nathaniel] Hackett, and his staff did a really nice job of recognizing that we needed to change the pace a little bit, "Saleh said. "The run game is always a second-half thing, but in order to make it a second-half thing you have to be able to commit to it in the first half ,but also recognize when the pace of the game needs to change and I thought we did a really good job of communicating that after the third drive and we came out with an urgency to get the ball out a little quicker."
The victory marked the first time the Jets had 3-plus touchdowns in each of their first two games to begin a season since 2004. Additionally, the Jets had not scored 3-plus touchdowns in consecutive games since 2022 and have accomplished that feat just 10 times since 2015, prior to Sunday's game.
Rodgers looked comfortable completing 18-of-30 passes for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns. He completed passes to 7 different receivers. That included a 19-yard pass to WR Mike Williams, returning from a torn ACL, on second-and-16, which led to the eventual game-winning score.
"Aaron is an unbelievable quarterback that makes unbelievable plays," Saleh said. "When you make a mistake on defense, he is going to make you pay. All of the offense was very very promising, and I am confident when I say it is only going to get better as guys continue to get comfortable and healthier."
The offense capitalized on a strong performance by the defense and special teams coming away with a 12-play, 73-yard touchdown drive off an interception by CB Brandin Echols and field goal following a blocked punt by WR Irvin Charles.
"I always judge the need for points based on where the turnover happened," Saleh said. "On a blocked punt, you'd like to see a touchdown. We were already in field-goal range, and we only got 3 points out of it. The others turnover came off a glorified punt. It was a great play [interception by Brandin] Echols and we executed a touchdown drive which I thought was outstanding."
The defense had an all-around positive day with 4 sacks, including 3 by DE Will McDonald IV – and forcing 2 turnovers. Pass rusher Jermaine Johnson, however, was carted off in the third quarter with a serious Achilles tendon injury that will sideline him.
"We still have faith in our rotation and will get another guy up this week," Saleh said. "Takk [McKinley], [Michael] Clemons and McDonald will all be involved. We have our rotation and that is never going to change. Our rotation is designed to ensure that our four best pass rushers are ready to go on third down and in two-minute situations. That will remain."
In addition, mic linebacker and defensive captain C.J. Mosley left early in the second quarter with a toe injury and CB D.J. Reed (knee) did not play . Saleh hopes to have both for Thursday night's home opener against New England at MetLife Stadium.
