The New York Jets are staring down a tough matchup in Week 15, and the timing couldn’t be worse. They’re banged up at quarterback, facing a surging Jacksonville Jaguars team that’s 9-5 and playing solid defense-ranking 11th in both yards and points allowed.
For a Jets offense already struggling to find rhythm, this is a tall order. But there are still a few key players who could swing the momentum if things break right.
Let’s break down three X-factors who’ll be pivotal to the Jets' chances on Sunday.
Brady Cook, QB: A Trial by Fire
All signs point to undrafted rookie Brady Cook getting the start under center. It’s a big ask.
Cook was thrown into the fire last week after Tyrod Taylor went down, and the results were rough-completing less than half his passes and turning the ball over multiple times. That’s not unexpected for a rookie in his situation, but it does raise the stakes heading into Sunday.
This week, Cook gets a full week of prep as QB1. That’s critical.
Practice reps, film study, and a game plan tailored to his strengths could help stabilize things. Cook showed flashes of poise and playmaking ability at Missouri, but this is a different level.
If he can settle in, avoid the big mistakes, and simply keep the offense on schedule, he gives the Jets a fighting chance. But if the turnovers continue, things could get out of hand fast against a disciplined Jacksonville defense.
Breece Hall, RB: The Engine of the Offense
With a rookie quarterback under center, the Jets' best chance at offensive consistency comes through Breece Hall. He’s the most dynamic weapon they’ve got, capable of breaking off a big play on any touch-whether it’s a run between the tackles or a swing pass in space.
But last week, Hall was bottled up-just 43 rushing yards and no receptions. That can’t happen again.
The Jets need to get creative in how they use Hall. Screens, misdirections, and even lining him up in the slot are all on the table.
He’s the kind of player who can change a game with one cut. If the offensive line can give him even a sliver of daylight, Hall has to be the guy who takes pressure off Cook and keeps the Jaguars defense honest.
If he’s quiet again, it’s hard to see how the Jets move the ball consistently.
Adonai Mitchell, WR: A Weapon Waiting to Be Unleashed
Adonai Mitchell looked like he was building real chemistry with Tyrod Taylor-coming off a 102-yard performance that showed off his route-running and ability to win downfield. But when the quarterback carousel spun mid-game last week, Mitchell’s production took a nosedive.
One catch on six targets for 24 yards. That’s not on him entirely, but it underscores how much the quarterback situation affects the entire offense.
Mitchell has the tools to be a go-to guy, especially in contested catch situations. If Cook can find any rhythm, getting Mitchell involved early could go a long way toward building confidence-for both the quarterback and the offense as a whole.
Look for the Jets to scheme up some easier throws to get Mitchell going, maybe some slants or quick outs to help Cook settle in. If they can hit on a few of those, it could open up the deeper routes where Mitchell thrives.
The Jets aren’t favored in this one, and for good reason. But football’s funny that way-sometimes all it takes is a couple of big plays or a breakout performance to flip the script. If Brady Cook can manage the game, Breece Hall can get loose, and Adonai Mitchell can find his footing again, the Jets might just make this one interesting.