Stopping the run and other keys to NY Jets victory over Titans in Week 2

After a disappointing performance on Monday night in Aaron Rodgers' re-debut, the NY Jets will look to bounce back on the road in Tennessee before coming home for the home opener.

For the Jets, this will be the second of three games in 11 days to start the season, while Tennessee looks to win their home opener after blowing a 17-0 in Chicago.

Let's take a look at what the Jets need to do for them to avoid an 0-2 start this weekend.

NY Jets must stop the run

The most disappointing part of Monday night's 32-19 loss in San Francisco was New York's inability to stop the 49ers' run game that was missing Christian McCaffrey. Backup Jordan Mason took full advantage of the opportunity, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown. San Francisco, as a team, tallied 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Tennessee won't be an easy task either for the Jets on Sunday. In Week 1, the Titans rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown. In his Titans debut, Tony Pollard accounted for 82 of those 140 yards and found the end zone. Tennessee was able to have this success despite only featuring second-year back Tyjae Spears on four carries.

Gang Green will enter this matchup as the 30th-ranked rushing defense in the NFL through one week of play. If New York wants that to change, just about everyone needs to step up, especially the defensive line. A few of the lowest-graded Jets in Week 1 were up front, including Jermaine Johnson, Braiden McGregor, Will McDonald, and Solomon Thomas.

As a team, New York missed 18 tackles on Monday night. That number needs to change if the Jets want to even up their record heading into the home opener.

NY Jets must get other playmakers involved

Monday night featured the Jets' new-look offense with a healthy Aaron Rodgers. It was a mixed bag for the offense, with positives from Rodgers showing vintage flashes, along with Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard making plays. However, there was some noticeable rust in the limited 21 minutes of possession on offense.

One of the biggest changes that needs to be made going into Week 2 for New York to unlock the offense is going to be getting other playmakers involved.

While Wilson and Lazard did good things they were the only two wide receivers targeted all night. To add on, Tyler Conklin and Braelon Allen weren't used until the last drive with Tyrod Taylor under center.

This means for three and half quarters, New York relied on just three playmakers: Wilson, Hall, and Lazard. Gang Green needs to look for Conklin early in the passing game and Mike Williams on an increased pitch count after playing just nine snaps on Monday. Braelon Allen is another name to look for in 3rd down situations after a difficult week for the run game.

The big question going into Monday was the pass protection. That was a positive for the Jets and Rodgers. Now, it's about getting creative and spreading the wealth.

NY Jets must get pressure on Will Levis

Not only did New York struggle to stop the run-up front, but they also had a hard time getting pressure on Brock Purdy. Gang Green only accumulated three pressures on 31 dropbacks from Purdy. This led to an efficient day for the 49ers offense and a tough first look for the Jets' new look up front.

Heading into Week 2, the Jets must get pressure on Will Levis, who saw a lot of pressure against Chicago on Sunday and struggled with it. Levis got sacked three times, including a strip sack, and ended his afternoon by throwing a pick-six to give the Bears a late lead.

With no end to Haason Reddick's holdout in sight, it will be once again up to pieces like Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, Micheal Clemons, and Braiden McGregor to step up on the edge. Interior rushers Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas also need to get significant pressure against Levis.

New York, under Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich, has always been known to rush four and get consistent pressure. However, Monday night proved that the formula may need adjusting.

Could a team who only blitzed 98 times last season send a few at Levis on Sunday to help get pressure? Only time will tell.

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