If someone had high hopes for the 2022 New York Jets following their miracle win against the Browns, their hopes promptly came crashing down as the Gang Green were soundly defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals, 27-12, in Week 3. Joe Flacco had four turnovers (2 INTs and 2 fumbles), the team committed three personal fouls, while DT Quinnen Williams was involved in a heated sideline argument with the D-line coach. It looks like Flacco’s time is finally over, as Zach Wilson is healthy and ready to start against the Steelers (1-2). Pittsburgh is a 3-point favorite and 20-6-0 all-time against the Jets. The Gang Green, however, won the last encounter when they defeated the Steelers 16-10 in 2019.
Here’s what different power rankings websites had to say about the Jets:
ESPN: Zach Wilson (right knee) missed the first three games, but there’s a good chance he returns to the lineup this week. He hasn’t played since the first preseason game, so there’s bound to be rust. After an underwhelming rookie year, much is expected of the 2021 second overall pick. Wilson’s development, more than wins and losses, will determine whether the season is a success or failure. Patience is key. He should be evaluated on how he progresses over the final 14 games. Part of that is being able to stay healthy; durability has become an issue for him. Veteran Joe Flacco has filled in for Wilson throwing for 901 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in the three games.
The Sporting News: Joe Flacco gave them some respectable downfield passing to energize the new-look offense but it’s time to see what Zach Wilson can do with higher upside. The defense has flashed a little in its still-developing stage for Robert Saleh.
CBS Sports: Maybe the whole taking-receipts talk is something Robert Saleh should re-visit. This team isn’t going anywhere. They need Zach Wilson on the field soon.
ProFootballTalk: They need Zach Wilson to play, and to play like the guy they drafted him to be.
Yahoo Sports: The Jets have played two good minutes all season. They’ve led for 22 seconds. The comeback against Cleveland was incredible but that was a clear outlier. I know I’m supposed to say we can’t judge them until we see them with Zach Wilson, but do you believe he’s transforming this team? Me either.
NFL.com: New York has held a lead for 22 seconds this season. Luckily it was the final 22 seconds of a miracle win in Cleveland. Otherwise, it’s been an ominous start to 2022 for the perpetually rebuilding Jets. Joe Flacco struggled mightily in Sunday’s 27-12 loss to the Bengals, missing open receivers and showing a remarkable inability to protect the football when hit in the pocket. The defense is also an issue: The pass rush hasn’t been as good as advertised, while the secondary continues to give up big plays, thanks to weekly miscommunications. Zach Wilson appears set to make his season debut against the Steelers on Sunday, but the young QB can’t fix everything.
USA Today: QB Zach Wilson (knee surgery) is expected to make his 2022 debut Sunday at Pittsburgh for a team that’s lacked efficiency and explosion from the passing game despite QB2 Joe Flacco’s league-leading 155 passes.
| Preseason | W1 | W2 | W3 | W4 | W5 | W6 | W7 | W8 | W9 | W10 | W11 | W12 | W13 | W14 | W15 | W16 | W17 | W18 | |
| ESPN | 30 | 32 | 29 | 31 | |||||||||||||||
| Sporting News | 24 | 32 | 28 | 28 | |||||||||||||||
| CBS Sports | 29 | 31 | 23 | 27 | |||||||||||||||
| PFT | 31 | 32 | 19 | 24 | |||||||||||||||
| Yahoo Sports | 27 | 31 | 28 | 32 | |||||||||||||||
| NFL.com | 26 | 32 | 25 | 31 | |||||||||||||||
| USA Today | 27 | 32 | 23 | 28 | |||||||||||||||
| 27.7 | 31.7 | 25 | 28.7 |
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