The NY Jets defense came to play
It was a promising debut for the Jets' new-look defense. The front seven was fantastic in the early going containing Lamar Jackson in the pocket. They slowed the Ravens' rushing attack, and New York's box defenders and defensive backs delivered big hits to break up potential completions.
New York would've been blown out early on if it wasn't for their defense. The Jets' defense was put in challenging positions early and stood tall. New York's defense allowed only 89 yards in the first half, and only 11 rush yards permitted to one of the league's very best rushing attacks.
Baltimore led 3-0 late in the second quarter. Their first score came courtesy of a Joe Flacco interception in Jets territory, and the second came on a 32-yard pass interference call way down the field. Unfortunately, leading to a tightly-contested Devin Duvernay touchdown over Bryce Hall.
The Jets' defense kept the crowd and the offense in the game for as long as they could. As the game wore on, they started to falter. But you can't blame them for today's loss.
NY Jets first-round rookies make promising debut
Cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive end Jermaine Johnson, and wide receiver Garrett Wilson all made promising debuts showing glimpses of brilliance in their first NFL game.
Gardner had a fantastic pass break up on all-world tight end Mark Andrews in the end zone; Wilson's first career catch was a beauty, a nine-yard gain, where he made multiple defenders miss in the open field. It didn't take long for Johnson to get to the quarterback. He shared his first NFL sack with veteran Jacob Martin.
Sauce Gardner was as advertised in coverage. He shut down the opposition.
It's tough starting the season off with a loss at home, especially considering how poor September has been for the Jets in recent memory. 13 straight September losses, to be exact, dating back to 2018. But if there are better days ahead, the team's rookies showed why they could be catalysts in providing them.