Rainy weather report for NY Jets vs Titans means run defense must improve in Week 2

The NY Jets are preparing for their Week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, and one of the team's keys to victory will be improving upon a run defense that was, for all intents and purposes, a disaster in Week 1.

The Jets' defense was gashed by Jordan Mason and the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, allowing 180 rushing yards on 4.7 yards per carry. It was an uncharacteristically poor performance from a Jets defense that was among the best in the NFL in 2023.

The Jets allowed eight consecutive scoring drives as they were bullied on the ground throughout the night. If the Jets are going to have any chance at a bounce-back performance against the Titans this weekend, they're going to need to be much better.

That's even more true when looking ahead to the expected weather for Sunday's Jets-Titans game. Rainy conditions could force the Titans to lean on their ground game, putting even more of an emphasis on the Jets' run defense.

NY Jets weather report for Week 2

The projected weather report for the Jets' upcoming game against the Titans calls for up to a 50 percent chance of rain at the time of kickoff at 1 pm ET. The rain is expected to start before the game and potentially continue on and off throughout the day.

The report also states the temperature at the time of kickoff will be roughly 82 degrees and that there will be steady 8-9 mph winds blowing southeast throughout the duration of the game.

These windy and rainy conditions favor a Titans team that ran their way to victory in Week 1 on the back of a 140-yard team rushing yard performance. Tony Pollard alone ran for 82 yards and a touchdown in Tennessee's Week 1 win.

The Jets will need to tighten up their run defense in a game that could see plenty of carries for both teams. That also means the Jets' run-blocking needs to be significantly better as well.

While the Jets' pass protection was a pleasant surprise in Week 1, the team struggled mightily to run the ball. Of Breece Hall's 54 rushing yards on Monday night, 57 came after contact. Yes, Hall finished with more rushing yards after contact than total rushing yards.

The Jets need to be able to run the ball effectively and limit their opponent's running game. That will allow them to control the time of possession and hopefully leave their Week 2 matchup against the Titans with a different outcome.

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