New York Jets, Geno Smith poised for let down game against Green Bay Packers today
By Daniel
In week one Geno Smith had one of the best games of his career for the Jets (1-0). He showed poised throwing for 221 yards completing 23-28 passes. The Jets beat the Oakland Raiders 19-14 on the strength of their defense. They held the Raiders to only 133 yards passing and 25 yards on the ground. The other bright spot for the Jets was running back Chris Ivory, running for 102 yards on only 10 carries.
Against the Green Bay Packers (0-1) this afternoon, expect a different outcome.
The Packers have more playmakers on defense than the Raiders so expect Smith to have a bit more trouble against the Packers. Especially because the Jets have to travel to Green Bay and Packers fans are sure to be raucous today. The Packers’ combination of Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews will look to cause havoc in the Jets’ backfield. The Jets will be hard pressed to be as efficient against the Packers as they were in week one.
Smith is a talented young player, but he will have trouble continuing his success into week two. His passer rating is due to drop today. But he is showing growth, which has to be exciting for Jets fans. The Packers’ cornerbacks are elite coverage corners that will play a tough man to man this afternoon. Smith will have trouble finding open receivers, especially if the Packers can develop a pass rush against the Jets.
Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Green Bay 36-16. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest reason why the Jets are in a position for a letdown today is because Aaron Rodgers is ready for a monster game in front of the home crowd. In week one against the Seattle Seahawks Rodgers was 23-33 for only 189 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Rodgers has a chip on his shoulder and will look to demolish the Jets’ defense via an air assault involving all of his weapons. Look for him to heavily involve wide receivers Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and Jarrett Boykin equally, among others.
Rodgers isn’t the only weapon for the Packers that is hungry. Running back Eddie Lacy ran for only 34 yards in week one. You can bet that Green Bay won’t be held to only 25 yards like the Jets held Oakland a week ago. Do not be surprised if Lacy surpasses the 100 yard mark this afternoon. He runs angry and you can bet he’s not happy following his subpar game and concussion sustained in week one.
The Jets simply cannot expect to have the success they had in week one; which will result in a letdown in week two. Green Bay is angry and has to win this week to keep pace with the Detroit Lions (1-0). The Packers are a tough team to play at home and it would be incredibly impressive if the Jets pulled out the upset over Green Bay. But I’m not seeing it.
Prediction: Packers 34, Jets 20