Jets Q&A: Does this team have a confidence problem?

Do the Jets have a confidence problem?

You wouldn’t think so, given the way the players have talked about how they believe they can win and surprise people. But Joe Flacco made it sound as if they have to convince themselves that individually and collectively, they’re good enough to beat teams. Flacco was including himself, too.

“I just keep going back to the belief in ourselves that we’re good,” he said. “Every time we take the field, we just have to truly believe that we are capable, because we are, and I think that’s why we’re missing some of that little juice here and there to get us over the hump. And I’m talking to myself, not just young guys.

“When you have young guys that haven’t played in this league and then we have a bunch of veterans that just haven’t won consistently over the last couple of years, you have to learn how to win football games and create that winning culture, and winning on Sundays is a big part of that. I think we’ve done a lot of the other parts of it, but it still comes down to winning on Sundays.

Do the Jets have another kicker problem?

Greg Zuerlein did not have a memorable Jets debut, going 1-for-2 on field-goal attempts (made one from 45, missed one from 45) and 0-for-1 on extra points. The Jets cut Eddy Pineiro, who was 8-for-8 on field goals late last season, for the more proven Zuerlein.

“He’s a veteran,” coach Robert Saleh said. “I’m not worried about Z. Obviously it wasn’t his best day. I’m very confident that he will bounce back.”

How did the rookies do in their debuts?

Cornerback Sauce Gardner had a nice pass break-up on tight end Mark Andrews in the end zone, but he was part of the breakdown in the secondary (along with safeties Jordan Whitehead and LaMarcus Joyner) that led to Rashod Bateman’s 55-yard touchdown.

Receiver Garrett Wilson had four catches for 52 yards. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson had a half-sack on Lamar Jackson. Running back Breece Hall finished with 61 scrimmage yards on 12 touches but fumbled in the red zone.

How did Johnson feel about his first NFL sack that he shared with Jacob Martin?

“It was awesome,” he said. “The guys on the team, all I wanted to do was celebrate with them, because that’s the kind of people we have. It was awesome to do that. It was a long road getting here, so God is great, all glory be to God.”

Asked if he feels as if he belongs at this level after having his first regular-season experience, Johnson said, “It was never a question. I feel like I belong. It was a long road to get here, but I’m here.”

Where was Jeremy Ruckert?

The tight end from Lindenhurst was one of five inactives. Ruckert missed all of OTAs and the first week of training camp with a foot issue. The Jets went with three tight ends — C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Conklin and Lawrence Cager. 

Who else was inactive?

Quarterback Zach Wilson, who is out until Week 4 at the earliest with a knee injury; defensive end Bryce Huff (which was a surprise), receiver Denzel Mims (not a surprise) and offensive lineman Conor McDermott. Mims, who requested a trade a while back, predicted two weeks ago that he would be inactive in Week 1.

Are the Jets expecting left tackle Duane Brown back in Week 5?

Saleh didn’t sound that optimistic that Brown (shoulder injury) will return quickly from injured reserve.

“Hopefully we’ll get him back,” Saleh said. “We’ll see how his rehab goes.”

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.