Despite building a 16-point lead in the second half, the Jets were unable to hang on against the Bills and fell by a final score of 17-16 in what was one of New York’s most disappointing losses in a while.
Whether it was offense, defense or special teams, the Jets failed to fire on all cylinders against Buffalo. New York’s rookie class contributed to the struggles, providing almost nothing in their NFL debuts.
Week 1 was nothing short of a disappointment for the Jets and their rookies. Let’s take a look at where the neophytes stand after a week’s worth of action.
No. 5: DT Kyle Phillips
Last Week: Not Ranked
Phillips made New York’s 53-man roster out of training camp thanks to a push late in the preseason that included a standout performance against the Eagles in Week 4.
He did enough to make the team, but Phillips was among the Jets’ six inactives against the Bills. In the event of an injury up front, Phillips will be ready to go. Until then, expect him to remain on the inactives list for the foreseeable future.
No. 4: OT Chuma Edoga
Last Week: No. 5
Edoga moves up one spot in the rankings this week without taking the field against the Bills.
As long as Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell stay healthy, Edoga will remain on the bench, limiting his potential to move up any further in the rankings. If New York’s rookie class wasn’t so thin, odds are the USC product wouldn’t even be ranked.
No. 3: TE Trevon Wesco
Last Week: No. 5
Wesco didn’t appear in the box score against the Bills, as Sam Darnold frequently targeted Jamison Crowder in the slot and Le’Veon Bell in the backfield.
New York didn’t go with many multiple tight end sets against Buffalo, leaving Wesco as the odd man out of the picture. He’ll have to improve as a pass-catcher before he can get a crack at legitimate playing time in 2019.
No. 2: DT Quinnen Williams
Last Week: No. 1
An ankle injury brought an abrupt end to Williams’ debut before he was able to break into the box score. As a result, he falls out of the top spot of the rankings.
Even before his injury, Williams was not contributing much. His status for Week 2 is currently up in the air, but either way, Williams needs to up his production in the coming weeks.
No. 1: LB Blake Cashman
Last Week: No. 3
Cashman was the lone rookie to make some kind of contribution against the Bills, recording two tackles and one tackle for loss.
When C.J. Mosley left the game with a groin injury in the fourth quarter, Cashman was inserted into the lineup next to Neville Hewitt. If Mosley can’t play against the Browns in Week 2, Cashman is in line to make his first career start in a primetime setting.
