The New York Jets will host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13 at MetLife Stadium for the second game of a three-game homestand. The Jets have lost four consecutive games, three by 21 points or more.
After drawing his first start as a member of the Jets in Week 12 versus the Miami Dolphins, Tim Boyle will be the starting quarterback against the Falcons. The offense didn’t show any improvement with Boyle at the helm, but the Jets lack solutions at the position despite Aaron Rodgers having his 21-day window opened off injured reserve this week.
In a matchup between two teams who have question marks at the quarterback position right now, here are six players to watch from the Jets in Week 13 versus the Falcons.
QB Tim Boyle
Robert Saleh didn’t waste any time in announcing that Boyle would be the starting quarterback for the Jets in Week 13 following the team’s 21-point defeat to the Dolphins. While Boyle completed 27 of his 38 attempts in Week 12, he finished with only 179 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Boyle’s numbers don’t tell the full story of how dismal New York’s offense was in Week 12 as it took until the fourth quarter for the Jets to pass midfield. It’s unlikely the Jets would go back to Zach Wilson after benching him in favor of Boyle. So if Boyle struggles again in Week 13, we could maybe see veteran Trevor Siemian get a chance in Week 14 against the Houston Texans.
RB Breece Hall
Aside from naming Boyle the starting quarterback for the second straight week, Saleh also made it clear he wants more from Breece Hall, especially when it comes to initiating contact. Since producing 177 rushing yards against the Denver Broncos in Week 5, Hall has rushed for 50 or fewer yards in six consecutive games.
The dynamic back is one of the lone weapons the Jets have on offense, but he’s also been running behind a makeshift offensive line that has dealt with a myriad of injuries. If Hall is healthy enough to play in Week 13 as he deals with a hamstring injury, we’ll see if Saleh’s comments lead to a more productive showing from the second-year back.
WR Allen Lazard
Ahead of last week’s matchup against the Dolphins, the Jets made Allen Lazard a healthy scratch. Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million contract in the offseason, so it’s less than ideal to see the wideout sidelined by the team due to his lack of production.
Saleh revealed earlier this week that Lazard will be active on Sunday against the Falcons, indicating that the team is hoping the benching will light a fire under Lazard. The offense is desperate for someone to step up alongside Garrett Wilson, and you would hope it is Lazard considering the contract he received in the offseason.
DE Bryce Huff
Bryce Huff isn’t a full-time player for the Jets, but he continues to be the team’s best pass rusher. Huff leads the Jets in total pressures (49), quarterback hurries (33), and sacks (6) entering Week 13. The pass-rushing maestro is in a contract year and he’s 15th in the NFL in total pressures despite having the fourth-most pass-rushing snaps (209) among players on the Jets.
The Falcons aren’t a team that wants to put the ball in the air often with Desmond Ridder under center. But whenever they do pass the ball, it will be up to Huff and the other pass rushers on the Jets to make sure he doesn’t have ample time to survey the field.
DT Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams — similar to most weeks — is going to be a quintessential player for the Jets this week. With the Falcons wanting to run the ball often, Williams will be crucial in filling the gaps in the interior to prevent Bijan Robinson and Atlanta’s rushing attack from running rampant.
At the same time, Williams is a difference-maker as a pass rusher from the interior, as well. Even though Williams has just two sacks this season, he has the third-most pressures (39) on the Jets, and he has six games this season where he’s registered at least five pressures. The All-Pro interior defender can change the landscape of Sunday’s game with a dominant performance.
LB Quincy Williams
Besides Quinnen, Quincy Williams could be the most important defensive player for the Jets in Week 13. The athletic linebacker will be tasked with trying to keep Robinson in front of him, whether it be on the ground or through the air.
Quincy has the second-most tackles (96) and is tied for the third-most pass breakups (6) on the Jets this season. Containing Robinson is easier said than done as the rookie running back is an electric player in space, but not many linebackers move like No. 56 on the Jets.
