Jets vs. Saints Preview: Brady Cook Gets Another Shot, and the Matchups That Could Decide It All
When the Jets head to New Orleans this Sunday, there won’t be playoff implications on the line-but there’s still plenty at stake. At 3-11, the Jets are currently slotted for the fifth overall pick in next year’s draft.
The Saints, sitting at 4-10, are just one game ahead of them and holding the seventh pick. In other words, this is a game where every snap could quietly shift the future of both franchises.
But for the Jets, the biggest storyline isn’t about draft boards. It’s about Brady Cook.
Brady Cook's Opportunity to Make a Statement
Cook is getting his second straight start with both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor sidelined. And while the Jets’ season may be circling the drain, Cook’s development is suddenly the most compelling reason to tune in.
This is a golden opportunity for the young quarterback to show he belongs in the league. Can he deliver the ball on time?
Can he stay poised under pressure? Can he make enough smart throws to make the front office pause before drafting another quarterback in April?
Those are the questions Cook will be answering with every dropback.
Key Matchups to Watch
Let’s dig into the one-on-one battles-and a few schematic wrinkles-that could shape this game.
DC Chris Harris vs. QB Tyler Shough
This one’s fascinating because it’s a debut vs. a rookie-just not in the way you’d expect.
Chris Harris is stepping into his first game as a defensive coordinator after the Jets moved on from Steve Wilks. Across the field, Tyler Shough is a rookie quarterback riding a two-game win streak. So while Shough is still new to the league, he actually has more experience in his role than Harris does in his.
That makes this matchup a chess game in real time. Will Harris dial up something exotic to confuse the young quarterback?
Or will his inexperience as a play-caller give Shough the edge? If Harris can scheme up pressure and disguise coverages effectively, he could throw a wrench into the Saints’ offensive rhythm.
But if Shough gets comfortable early, the Jets could be in for a long afternoon.
CB Brandon Stephens vs. WR Chris Olave
Chris Olave is the Saints’ go-to guy through the air, and he’s earned that title with 896 yards and six touchdowns on the season. He’s a smooth route runner with the kind of burst that can punish a defense that’s even a half-step late.
The Jets secondary, meanwhile, is coming off a rough outing against the Jaguars. They gave up chunk plays, got beat in man coverage, and missed too many tackles. If they don’t tighten things up, Olave could feast.
Brandon Stephens will likely draw the primary assignment, and he’ll need to be sharp. This isn’t just about preventing the deep ball-it’s about staying disciplined on underneath routes and limiting yards after the catch. If Olave gets going early, it could open up the entire Saints offense.
DE Will McDonald vs. RT Taliese Fuaga
This is a matchup that could tilt the line of scrimmage-and maybe the game.
Will McDonald has flashed this season, showing bursts of speed and bend off the edge. But consistency has been the missing ingredient.
He’s got a real chance to make an impact here, though, because Taliese Fuaga has had some struggles in pass protection. According to PFF, Fuaga has allowed a team-high six sacks this year.
Coming out of college, Fuaga was known as a dominant run blocker with a bit of a learning curve in pass sets. That scouting report has held up. If McDonald can get off the ball quickly and win with leverage, he could disrupt the Saints’ timing and force Shough into mistakes.
Quincy Williams vs. New Orleans Blitz Protection
This isn’t a traditional one-on-one matchup, but it’s one to keep an eye on.
Quincy Williams is one of the Jets’ most explosive defenders. He’s fast, physical, and plays with an edge.
But lately, he’s been asked to do a lot in coverage-and that’s not where he thrives. With Harris taking over as defensive coordinator, there’s a chance we see a shift in how Williams is deployed.
If Harris wants to get aggressive, turning Williams loose as a blitzer could be a smart move. He’s got the speed to shoot gaps and the instincts to time it right. And if the Saints’ protection schemes aren’t ready for it, Williams could blow up a couple of drives all by himself.
What to Expect
This isn’t a game that’s going to dominate headlines. But for Brady Cook, Chris Harris, and a handful of young players trying to carve out roles for next season, it’s a major opportunity.
The Jets want to see growth. The Saints want to keep building momentum. And both teams wouldn’t mind sliding up the draft board in the process.
So while the stakes may not be postseason glory, there’s still a lot on the line-especially for the players fighting to prove they belong.