Jets' focus: Stop Falcons' rushing attack, get their running game going
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs against New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun (53) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Atlanta. Credit: AP/Brynn Anderson
The Jets’ combination of running on empty on offense and letting teams run wild on them is a troubling trend they can’t afford to allow to continue.
The Falcons have one of the best rushing attacks and the Jets have one of the worst run defenses.
Atlanta ranks fourth in rushing yards per game (139.3) and is second in the league in its last three games, averaging 174 yards. Rookie Bijan Robinson has rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games.
The Jets are next-to-last in run defense, allowing 140.3 yards per game, including 148.3 in their last three.
“We got to maybe change the presentation a little bit,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “I can help with some calls that will assist the defense, bring more guys into the box at times. Then we got to play better, set better edges, tackle better, be more consistent.”
Ulbrich said a more telling statistic is yards per carry. The Jets are allowing 4.2, which ranks 14th. But they’re being run on more than any other team — 33.2 times per game. That in large part stems from opponents usually playing with a lead.
“Do we got to play it better? We do,” Ulbrich said. “At the same time, we’re facing a ton of runs.”
On offense, the Jets have rushed for an average of only 66.7 yards in their last three games, the lowest in the league.
Leaning on Lazard
Allen Lazard, who was a healthy scratch last game, will be active Sunday and could be someone Tim Boyle looks for in the passing game. The two played together in Green Bay and the Jets need someone to step up on the outside to take some stress off Garrett Wilson.
“He’s a safety blanket,” Boyle said of Lazard. “He knows how to read coverage. He knows the offense. He knows the scheme. He’s a talented guy. He’s a huge dude. He’s fun to throw to and I’m excited to have him out there.”
Ridder recall
The Jets are familiar with Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder. They coached him at the 2022 Senior Bowl, and Sauce Gardner was Ridder’s teammate at the University of Cincinnati. Ridder has thrown only seven touchdown passes but has run for four more, fourth among quarterbacks.
Ulbrich said he has let his group know “this guy is a real guy” even though Ridder is not an established quarterback.
“I was so impressed with him at the Senior Bowl,” Ulbrich said. “His command, his leadership, his intelligence. I think that he’s a winner, and he’s proven that.”
Roster moves
The Jets released safety Adrian Amos. Amos, who appeared in every game for the Jets and started three, has been playing less lately with Ashtyn Davis jumping up to the No. 3 safety behind Jordan Whitehead and Tony Adams. The move gives rookie Jarrick Bernard-Converse more of an opportunity and gives Amos the chance to sign with a contender.
The Jets also activated OL Wes Schweitzer and DB Justin Hardee from injured reserve and elevated OL Jack Hanson and DL Perrion Winfrey from the practice squad. OL Xavier Newman was released.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
