Preview of NFL Week 8 Jets vs. Bengals matchup in Cincinnati on Sunday
Highlight Matchup
Bengals WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins vs. Jets CBs Brandon Stevens and Azaleai Thomas
The Jets will miss their star cornerback Sauce Gardner, who suffered a concussion last week. It’s a tough break, especially against Chase and Higgins, who are considered one of the top receiving duos in the league.
In Gardner’s absence, Thomas, a third-round pick, will step in as starter. The Jets are unlikely to assign a player specifically to shadow Chase, so it’s mostly up to Thomas and Stevens on the outside.
“Losing someone like that is always a concern because he’s among the best in the league,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn remarked. “But we’ve got others who need to rise to the occasion. Injuries are part of this league. You saw it [with the Chargers on Thursday]. It’s a tough battle, and no one’s going to feel sorry for us. [Thomas] will handle it well for us.”
Chase has turned it on since Flacco took over at quarterback for the Bengals. He has recorded back-to-back games with double-digit receptions, including a franchise-record 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown last week against the Steelers.
4 Key Points
Joe Cool: The Jets find themselves in another quarterback predicament, but veteran Joe Flacco will lead the Bengals. This will be Flacco’s third match with Cincinnati after joining from the Browns. He’s previously played for the Jets in 2020 and the 2021-22 seasons.
Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in Cincinnati’s recent 33-31 win over the Steelers, trying to keep the team afloat as they await Joe Burrow’s return.
While Flacco struggled during his time with the Jets, finishing with a 1-8 record, he still appreciates the relationships he built within the organization.
“I remember driving home to New Jersey after a loss, shaking my head, talking to my family, thinking, ‘What am I doing?'” Flacco reflected. “But I look back and realize that the moments in the locker room with those guys meant a lot to me.”
The Jets’ Dilemma: The quarterback situation might not even be the biggest issue for the Jets’ receiving corps. With Garrett Wilson sidelined by a knee injury for the second week and Josh Reynolds also missing practice, the Jets relied on Tyler Johnson, Reynolds, and tight end Mason Taylor, each catching three passes last week. They really need to involve Breece Hall more in the passing game, especially given his minimal catches lately.
Defensive Bright Spot: Though it’s hard to find positives for a team that is 0-7, the Jets have shown improvement defensively in their last two games, allowing just 13 points each time. They’ve bounced back from earlier struggles where they let in 30 or more points in three out of five matches.
However, they need to work on their turnovers. So far this season, there’s been just one fumble recovery and no interceptions. Maybe Flacco will offer them some opportunities.
Sad Stats: This marks the first time since 2020 the Jets have started the season 0-7, which has occurred only three times in franchise history. They have a long way to go to avoid matching the 2020 team’s record of losing their first 13 games and finishing 2-14 overall.
The seven consecutive losses tie for the fifth longest in team history. An eighth loss would put them in third place. The longest streak was 13 losses in 2020, followed by 12 losses over two seasons in 1995-96. The Jets also faced eight consecutive losses in 2014 and 1975.
Costello’s Take
The Jets could have easily won their last two games, had their offense clicked better. Flacco presents an opportunity for a turnaround, especially against a weak Bengals defense. Personally, I’m not convinced by Flacco and the Bengals.
Jets 20, Bengals 17
