NY Jets: 5 observations on the team's latest roster rebuild

NY Jets weapons

One of this game’s only positives was the play of quarterback Zach Wilson (20-of-37, 258 yards, 2 TDs). In his first NFL game, he threw some crisp passes while running for his life.

On one play, the QB got pile-driven, and the back of the head smashed on the ground. There is no way the kid can withstand 16 more weeks of that.

But, most importantly, you don’t want Wilson to start bailing out on designed plays. He can’t learn the game and go through his reads if he keeps getting smacked.

The wide receiver position looks like another roster strong suit. Corey Davis (five catches for 97 yards and two TDs) played like a number-one flanker. And Elijah Moore showed some promise, despite a slot debut.

But with Jameson Crowder and Keelan Cole out (both likely back this week), LeFleur stuck with Braxton Berrios and Jeff Smith. So why was Denzel Mims not on the field for the first 57 minutes?

His three snaps came in the final three minutes, including a stellar 40-yard bomb that led to a late TD. Saleh’s post-game comments made it sound like Mims didn’t play because they don’t see him as one of their top six receivers.

The running backs suffered from a combination of inept line play and Carolina’s defensive pressure. Ty Johnson, Tevin Coleman, and Michael Carter combined for an anemic 45 rushing yards on 17 carries, with only one run further than 10 yards.

Then again, the run blocking was so bad that Jets rushers averaged 0.2 yards before contact. That’s not gonna get it done, with or without an injured La’Mical Perine.