Brady Cook will get his second consecutive start this Sunday as the Jets head down to New Orleans to take on the Saints in a game that means more for each team’s draft position than anything else. The Jets (3-11) who are currently slated to pick fifth overall, are just one game better than the Saints (4-10) who sit at pick number seven.
For Cook it means another shot to show he has what it takes to compete in the NFL as both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor nurse injuries. And let’s be real, Jets fans. Cook’s development is the most meaningful storyline in what’s left of another lost season. If Cook can continue to progress and put the ball on target and on time, he’ll have a shot to be a part of the team’s long-term plans.
Where are the key matchups in tomorrow’s game?
DC Chris Harris vs QB Tyler Shough: Shough might be a rookie quarterback, but he’s riding a two-game winning streak and oddly enough, has more experience in his job than Harris has at his. This will be Harris’ debut as a defensive coordinator following the firing of Steve Wilks. Will he have something to get inside the QB’s head, or will his lack of experience help propel the Saints to a third consecutive victory?
CB Brandon Stephens vs WR Chris Olave: Olave is the best pass catcher New Orleans has and he’s racked up 896 yards and six touchdowns on the year. The Jets secondary got absolutely abused last week by the Jaguars and if they don’t clean things up this week, Olave could be in for a big day.
DE Will McDonald vs Taliese Fuaga: McDonald has been hot and cold this season but we like his chances of making some plays against Fuaga if he comes up ready to play. If the Jets are going to have any shot in this game, they’re going to have to get to the quarterback. According to PFF, Fuaga has surrendered a team-high six sacks this season. Coming out of college Fuaga was viewed as a mauler in the run game whose pass protection needed refining. That still appears to be the case.
Quincy Williams vs New Orleans Blitz Protection: This isn’t a matchup of any two players, and based solely on a hunch. But Williams is undeniably one of the Jets most talented defenders. He’s been a bit of a whipping boy in recent weeks as he’s been asked to play a ton of coverage. A new play caller could have Williams fired up, and if we were Harris, we’d take advantage of that and send him as a blitzer all day. Given the chance, Williams could be a game wrecker on defense.
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