Week 1 HERE WE GO!!!

By Eric Ford

Well, here we go!! It’s week 1 of the 2021 season and the New York Jets travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, to play the Carolina Panthers. Let’s break down what I expect and the keys to victory.

Expectations: I am expecting the offense to click. I don’t have total faith in the Panthers defense. I believe the run game will get going, and once that happens, it will open Zack Wilson to throw it down to wherever he wants. The defense is very concerning. I am not worried about the rush because CJ Mosley will dominate, and Quinnen Williams will make some plays. I do have a lot of worries when it comes to passing. I am concerned for many young and inexperienced cornerbacks facing the fast receiving core that Carolina has built.

Keys to Victory: The offense needs to start off strong and maintain that pace. The offensive line needs to protect Zack Wilson and allow our running backs to run. In other words, ground and pound. If we establish the run, our pass will not be a problem. On the other side of the ball, CMC needs to be stopped. If he has a good run day, it’s going to be a long game. Stopping the run is critical, but the secondary needs to show why they belong even if they do that. After all, Gang Green released good defensive players. All cornerbacks should be on the receivers like butter and bread. 

Final prediction. I don’t think the defense for both teams is equal, so that’s a wash. I expect this to be an offense-driven game and the Jets to take the win. 34 to 31 will be your final score with a last-minute drive to win the game.