Justin Fields might have had more time if it weren’t for a drop that halted Adonai Mitchell’s momentum in New England.
Fortunately for Mitchell, he gets another shot this Sunday against the Ravens.
“You really dislike games like that,” Mitchell reflected on the 27-14 loss to the Patriots. “It’s definitely been a tough week, but I have to let it go. There’s nothing I can do about it now.”
Mitchell, who was a second-round pick in 2024 and came from Indianapolis as part of the trade for Sauce Gardner, had a rough debut with the Jets, managing only one catch for 10 yards on six targets, which included a drop near the 10-yard line of the Patriots.
The 23-year-old wide receiver is now on his 27th career game and is working with his fourth starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor.
“I experienced a lot of this in my rookie year, so I’m trying to watch film and get in extra throws with him. It’s about getting used to his throws and the timing of running my routes,” Mitchell noted. “Change is the only constant in life. You either adapt, or things just don’t pan out.”
The Jets brought him in based on what he could potentially achieve. A few drops here and there certainly won’t alter that upside.
“When I watched how he performed last week, I understood. Drops happen, it’s part of the game, but the separation he showed motivates me,” said offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. “We’re just beginning to see what he can become.”
Brandon Stevens, who was highly targeted as a cornerback during his last two seasons with the Ravens, may not be easily recognized upon his return to Baltimore.
After leaving the Ravens as a free agent this offseason, Stevens, a 2021 third-round pick, was ranked as the 100th cornerback out of 116 by Pro Football Focus. Yet, since signing a three-year, $36 million contract with the Jets, he has allowed only 29 receiving yards per game over ten games this season, placing him 12th among 107 eligible players.
“He’s a reliable, steady veteran,” remarked defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes. “We knew from the start of the season he would be a critical player for us. While he’s not one to boast, I believe he’s looking forward to this week and aims to build on his current performance.
Kene Nwangwu missed practice due to a hamstring issue. The return specialist, who scored on a 99-yard kick return against Cleveland on November 9, has played only five games this season due to injuries. Will McDonald and Harrison Phillips both returned to practice in a limited capacity.
