The New York Jets will visit the Tennessee Titans in their upcoming Week 2 matchup.
Even with it being big early season AFC clash, it will still be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference.
Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Jets (0-1) at Titans (0-1) matchup:
WR Allen Lazard vs. CB Chidobe Awuzie
Despite the Jets’ season-opening loss being pretty poor all around on offense despite starting the game with a touchdown, the Lazard connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers was evident throughout the game. The peak moment was the touchdown catch Lazard had from Rodgers.
With L’Jarius Sneed likely covering Garrett Wilson, Lazard will be tasked with beating Awuzie. Pro Football Focus gave Awuzie a solid 67.1 grade for his work in Week 1.
OL Joe Tippmann vs. DT Jeffery Simmons
Perhaps the biggest key to getting the Jets offense moving is establishing a running game. That will give Rodgers space to work.
Simmons has long been one of the NFL’s top interior defenders. Tippmann, along with guards John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker will need to keep him away from running back Breece Hall.
LB CJ Mosley vs. RB Tony Pollard
The Titans had a great game rushing the ball in Week 1 despite a loss to the Chicago Bears. Tennessee had 140 rushing yards as a team, 82 of those coming from Pollard.
On the flip side, as an entire defense the Jets have to improve against an opponent’s’ ground game. Mosley can’t do that all on his own, but as the quarterback of the New York defense, he has to do all he can to lead that side of the ball.
