Jets vs. Ravens Week 1 preview: What you need to know for gameday
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs with the ball in the second half against the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on Jan. 3, 2021, in Cincinnati. Credit: Getty Images/Michael Hickey
RAVENS AT JETS, METLIFE STADIUM, 1 p.m.
VITALS
Line: Ravens by 6 1/2; O/U 44 1/2
TV: CBS (Andrew Catalon, James Lofton).
Radio: ESPN (98.7); Sirius 132; XM 232
NOTABLE INJURIES
Jets: OUT: QB Zach Wilson (knee).
Ravens: OUT: DT Travis Jones (knee); OT Ronnie Staley (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: RB J.K. Dobbins (knee), CB Marcus Peters (knee).
ACTION JACKSON
Containing Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is healthy and hungry after not getting a contract extension done by Friday’s deadline, will be a huge task for the Jets.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich called it “a headache,” but he believes his group is up for the “tremendous challenge.”
Jackson threw five touchdown passes and rushed for 86 yards in his only game against the Jets - a 21-point Baltimore win in 2019. Afterward, several Jets lined up to get Jackson’s jersey and autograph.
That was a different team and different coaching staff.
Scout team quarterback Chris Streveler played Jackson in practice this week, but few can simulate what he does. H rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2019 and 2020. Jackson, who missed the last five games last season, is 37-12 since replacing Joe Flacco as the Ravens starting quarterback.
“He’s one of the most dynamic football players in the league and he’s an absolute bear to prepare for,” Robert Saleh said. “This is the ultimate challenge and it’s in Week One, so thankfully we’ve had all offseason to prepare, we’ll see how it works out.”
Brown on IR
The Jets placed left tackle Duane Brown (shoulder) on IR. He will be sidelined a minimum of four games. The Jets are hoping Brown can return in Week 5.
They signed the 37-year-old Brown in August after Mekhi Becton suffered a season-ending injury.
George Fant will start at left tackle and rookie Max Mitchell at right tackle on Sunday.
The Jets elevated tackle Grant Hermanns from the practice squad to fill Brown’s spot on the roster.
COLD SEPTEMBER
The Jets have a 12-game September losing streak. Their last win was Sept. 10, 2018 in Detroit in Sam Darnold’s debut when he threw a pick-6 on his first NFL pass. It’s been nearly five years since their last September home win: Sept. 24, 2017 vs. Miami.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
