Jets defense should face a much easier test after key Falcons injury

The New York Jets enter Week 13 at 2-9, but their record doesn’t tell the full story. After an 0-7 start, the Jets have quietly gone 2-2 in their last four games and have shown legitimate signs of progress under their new staff.

They were competitive throughout last week’s 23-10 loss to Baltimore, and with Tyrod Taylor expected to start again this Sunday, they have another opportunity to build momentum against a beatable Atlanta Falcons team.

Fortunately for the Jets, the Falcons are also dealing with their share of notable injuries. At 4-7, they’ve just lost Michael Penix Jr. to a season-ending ACL injury and are turning back to Kirk Cousins, who is now starting for the second week in a row.

And now, Atlanta will likely be without its top wide receiver. Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters on Wednesday that star wideout Drake London (knee) is "doubtful" to play against the Jets on Sunday.

Sunday's game suddenly looks like a favorable opportunity for the Jets to keep stacking positive results as they hope to finish the season on a high note.

Jets should face a Falcons team without Drake London in Week 13

The Jets' defense could be facing a significantly easier assignment with the Falcons expected to play without arguably their top offensive weapon. Atlanta’s passing game simply isn’t the same without its WR1, and their depth chart gets thin in a hurry.

Darnell Mooney becomes the de facto No. 1 option. Mooney is a solid player, but not exactly someone who typically stresses a defense on his own. Behind him, the Falcons are left with the likes of David Sills, Dylan Drummond, and KhaDarel Hodge — none of whom are really NFL-caliber wideouts.

In reality, Atlanta’s offense now runs through Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson. That makes them more predictable and places even more pressure on Cousins, who, at this stage of his career, isn’t elevating a depleted receiver group.

This comes at an ideal time for the Jets as well. The Jets have shown tangible improvement in recent weeks, and their upcoming schedule — Falcons, Dolphins, Jaguars, Saints — gives them a real chance to go 2-2 or even better if they continue trending upward.

That might not thrill the pro-tank crowd, but it would matter for a young roster and a coaching staff trying to prove the franchise is headed in the right direction.

With Atlanta shorthanded and lacking offensive firepower, this Sunday's game has become a genuine opportunity for the Jets to put together a complete defensive performance and take another step forward. This is a winnable game for Aaron Glenn and company.