6 quick takeaways from the NY Jets Week 1 loss to the Ravens

The NY Jets are predictably 0-1 after falling to the Baltimore Ravens at home in one of the more unique and frustrating season openers in recent memory.

There were a few positives to takeaways from today's result. But there were some glaring negatives.

The rainy conditions definitely played a factor

Both teams struggled with the elements at MetLife stadium because of the rain. Slick footballs led to players slipping, several dropped balls, fumbles that shortened drives, inaccurate kicks, poor punts, and errant throws.

The Ravens practiced with a rugby ball in the pre-game to try and prep for the conditions. The Jets seemed to have more problems than Baltimore did. But it was a collaborative effort.

The Jets had several issues throughout the game. One sequence early on produced Murphy's Law, two Jets linemen slipped on the wet turf, and Flacco was pressured and rushed his throw offline to Lawrence Cager, who slipped, causing a Marcus Williams interception.

It was that kind of day for the Jets. Corey Davis, Tyler Conklin, and even Elijah Moore struggled to corral the football. New York had 169 yards on offense in the first half, but continually had drives shortened due to missteps in the weather.

The weather calmed down eventually in the second half. It wasn't the only reason the Jets struggled, but it certainly set the tone in a negative direction for the day.

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.

The NY Jets run game provided a spark against an elite opponent

There were very few positives to take away from today. After all, New York's offense had several issues, including going 0-for-8 on third downs to start the game.

But there were some positive signs in the run game. Especially considering the level of opponent they were facing. Baltimore had the league's best rushing defense a year ago.

Michael Carter had a very nice game breaking three long runs. And serving as a good outlet in the passing attack. Carter was the Jets' best offensive player, netting over a hundred yards of offense. Unfortunately, Carter dropped an easy TD late in the game, which marred his overall performance.

The NY Jets pass offense led by Joe Flacco was rudderless

You can chalk up the weather if you choose as a legit excuse for Joe Flacco and the Jets' failings on Sunday. But the veteran Flacco struggled mightily throughout the game. He wasn't aided by poor pass protection, and mistakes by his receivers. But Flacco was very indecisive in the pocket, and held on to the ball too long.

Flacco might get another start. But if this continues next week in Cleveland. It's very possible that Mike White could be next in line to lead the offense. That's until Zach Wilson gets back, presumably week 5, maybe?

It goes beyond the quarterback position; the Jets' offensive line was dreadful in pass protection. The quarterback was hit more than ten times in the game. Rookie RT Max Mitchell looked lost and confused. The Jets got him plenty of help, and he needed it. The Ravens pushed him around.

The NY Jets need to make roster changes

Not a great day for the Jets' 2020 draft class. Truthfully, it hasn't been a good couple of years for that group. Bryce Hall gave up a touchdown, but it was a well-played moment for him. The result wasn't very good.

However, beyond Hall. Denzel Mims didn't dress for this game. And the team's punter, like Bryce Hall, has been the only starting player from that class playing in games.

Braden Mann has been way too inconsistent. It seems ridiculous, but his 20-yard shank in the second half was the nail in the coffin for New York

It seems like a knee-jerk reaction after one game. But this has been built up over time. Joe Douglas and the Jets staff need to reassess their roster and eliminate dead weight.

LaMarcus Joyner, who hasn't been a good NFL player for years, struggled mightily against Baltimore. Unfortunately, the Jets' depth behind Joyner is shaky.

Especially considering the fact that the team foolishly released a promising young player in Jason Pinnock. It might be time to phase out Joyner.