Breaking Down the Packers Opponent: New York Jets

The Green Bay Packers host the New York Jets at Lambeau Field on Sunday and will be looking for their first win of the season.

Even though the Jets are an uncommon opponent for Green Bay, they’ll still present their fair share of challenges.

Here is a breakdown of the Packers’ week two opponent.

Scouting the New York Jets

New York Jets running back

(33). Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

OFFENSE

The Jets offense revolves around their prolific ground game. Last week, they tallied 212 rushing yards against a patched together Oakland Raiders defense.

In 2013, the Jets boasted the sixth best rushing club in the league, averaging 134.9 yards on the ground per game. In the offseason, the Jets even added Pro Bowl running back Chris Johnson to add another weapon to their backfield.

However, the Jets only finished 25th in the NFL in total offense last season, in large part because they only ranked 31st in passing (183.2 ypg) with rookie quarterback Geno Smith under center.

The Jets did bring in veteran Michael Vick to backup Smith, but the Jets have made it clear they will move forward with the second-year quarterback despite his struggles last year.

Quarterback

Halfway through last season, Smith held one of the worst passer ratings (66.5) out of any starting quarterback in the league. He managed to turn things around in December and make some strides in his game, but he still finished the season with disappointing numbers. He only threw 12 touchdowns, while being among the league leaders in interceptions with 21.

Smith did do some damage with his feet, rushing for 336 yards and six touchdowns, so Green Bay will have to be disciplined in containing the pocket. But, Smith also fumbled the ball four times last season, and last week, despite demonstrating some solid play, the second-year quarterback did turn the ball over twice.

If the Packers can stop the run and keep Smith from scrambling, their defense could have a big day against the Jets offense and capitalize off a young quarterback still trying to figure out life in the NFL.

Running Back

The backfield might be the Jets’ deepest position on the team. Johnson and Chris Ivory make a dangerous one-two punch.

Ivory is a powerful runner with good size (6-0, 222) and quickness.Last week, he tore up the Raiders defense with 101 yards on the ground, including a 71-yard touchdown run. Last season, Ivory averaged 4.6 yards per carry and tallied 833 yards on the ground while splitting carries with second-year back Balil Powell.

Johnson brings some speed and playmaking ability to an already solid backfield. Whereas Ivory is a near non-factor as a receiver, Johnson can do a lot of his damage on checkdowns and screen passes.

The Packers will have to be careful they don’t get caught off guard with Johnson swinging out for passes and having the ball in the open field. Smith will definitely be looking for the veteran back to help bail him out when he’s under pressure.

For the Packers to win, they’ll have to find a way to contain the Jets’ backfield.

Receiver

At first glance, the Jets seem weak at wide receiver and tight end. In the offseason, they signed veteran receiver Eric Decker from Denver and let last year’s leading receiver Stephen Hill go.

Decker had perhaps his best season as a pro in 2013, recording career highs in receptions (87) and receiving yards (1,288), while also posting 11 touchdowns. Decker is a big, long receiver at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds and will play physical with Green Bay’s defensive backs. He’s also a threat downfield. Green Bay will probably need to keep a safety over the top of Decker to keep him from beating the Packers deep.

After Decker, there aren’t a lot of serious threats at receiver the Packers will have to account for. Fourth-year man Jeremy Kerley is a small, speedy receiver who will start this Sunday, but hasn’t done a lot in a part-time capacity over the past few seasons.

David Nelson is a big, imposing wideout (6-5, 215) and will play on the outside as Kerley moves to the slot. In 59 snaps last week, Nelson was nearly invisible and only hauled in one catch for 17 yards.

Greg Salas and rookie Jalen Saunders may get some looks, but haven’t factored in on offense at this point.

Starting tight end Jeff Cumberland is a stout run blocker (6-4, 260), and although he lacks elite speed or athleticism, can factor in as a receiver as well. Last week, he recorded four receptions for 50 yards against the Raiders, and in 2013, he proved to be a reliable redzone target, hauling in four touchdown passes.

Backup Jace Amaro is a rookie and only played a handful of snaps last week. The second-round pick isn’t a great run blocker, but he could make an impact as a tall (6-5, 260), athletic receiving threat over the middle of the field.

Offensive Line

The Jets offensive line allowed 43 sacks last season but produced a shutout last week against Oakland.

New York has two studs on the line in left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold, who excel as both run blockers and pass protectors.

Right guard Willie Colon is a veteran acquired from Pittsburgh a few season ago and really stands out in pass protection but can struggle in the running game. He was also penalized three times last week.

Breno Giacomini was acquired from Seattle in the offseason and does an admirable job at right tackle. Giacomini’s length (6-7, 318) will be a good matchup against Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers, who is 6-foot-6.

The Jets’ weak link on the offensive line is second-year left guard Brian Winters. As a rookie, Winters allowed 10 sacks and 15 quarterback hits and graded out terribly in the running game (-15.2), according to Pro Football Focus.

The Packers will certainly test Winters on Sunday. Not only will Mike Daniels face off against the young guard, but Green Bay may even rush Clay Matthews from the inside linebacker position in certain packages to get their best pass rusher matched up against Winters.