Jets vs. Texans: 5 Things to Watch for in Week 1
Is this the season the Jets finally break through and make the playoffs? The New York Jets have a lot of hype heading into the 2023 season, with a revamped roster and a new head coach. But they face a tough test in Week 1 against the Houston Texans, who are looking to rebuild under a new head coach as well.
Why It Matters: This matchup will be a chance to see how both teams have progressed during the offseason and whether the Jets are truly ready to compete in the AFC East. The Texans are an interesting team with a young quarterback and a good running game, so this will be a real test for the Jets' defense.
Key Takeaways of Jets vs Texans:
| Key Takeaway | Description |
|---|---|
| Jets' Offense vs. Texans' Defense: Will the Jets' offense be able to take advantage of a Texans' defense that was one of the worst in the league last year? | |
| Zach Wilson's Progress: Will Zach Wilson show significant improvement from last season? | |
| Texans' Running Game vs. Jets' Run Defense: Can the Texans find success on the ground against a tough Jets' run defense? | |
| C.J. Stroud's Debut: How will rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud perform in his NFL debut? | |
| Special Teams: Can both teams get the edge in the special teams battle? |
Jets vs. Texans: 5 Things to Watch for in Week 1
1. Jets' Offense vs. Texans' Defense
The Jets' offense is expected to be much improved this season with the addition of wide receiver Allen Lazard and the continued development of Garrett Wilson. However, the Texans' defense, while still young and inexperienced, could pose a challenge. The Jets will need to be able to establish a running game and protect Zach Wilson if they want to be successful.
2. Zach Wilson's Progress
Zach Wilson is entering his third season in the NFL, and this is a crucial year for him. He'll need to show he's made significant strides in his development, particularly in his accuracy and decision-making. The Texans' defense might not be the toughest he'll face this season, but a good performance against them will build confidence going forward.
3. Texans' Running Game vs. Jets' Run Defense
The Texans have a young and talented running back in Dameon Pierce. He's a powerful runner who could have a breakout year in 2023. The Jets' run defense was one of the best in the league last season, so this will be a big test for Pierce and the Texans' offensive line.
4. C.J. Stroud's Debut
The Texans will be looking to the future with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Texans are hoping he can be their franchise quarterback. The Jets' defense will be a tough test for Stroud in his debut.
5. Special Teams
Special teams are often overlooked, but they can make a big difference in close games. The Jets' special teams were one of the worst in the league last year, so they'll need to improve in that area. The Texans have a strong kicking game with Ka'imi Fairbairn, who could be a weapon for them.
Information Table: Jets vs. Texans Week 1 Preview
| Stat | Jets | Texans |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Record | 7-10 | 3-13-1 |
| Head Coach | Robert Saleh | Lovie Smith |
| Key Offensive Players | Zach Wilson (QB), Garrett Wilson (WR), Breece Hall (RB), Allen Lazard (WR) | C.J. Stroud (QB), Dameon Pierce (RB), Nico Collins (WR) |
| Key Defensive Players | Quinnen Williams (DT), Sauce Gardner (CB), C.J. Mosley (LB) | Derek Stingley Jr. (CB), Christian Harris (LB), Jalen Pitre (S) |
| Prediction | Jets win a close one |
FAQ: Jets vs. Texans Week 1
Q: How did the Jets and Texans fare against each other in 2022?
A: The Jets defeated the Texans 24-9 at home in Week 3 of the 2022 season.
Q: Are there any injuries of concern for either team?
A: The Texans have a few players on the injury report, but nothing major to report as of now. Check out the team websites for the most updated information.
Q: What are the oddsmakers predicting for the game?
A: The Jets are favored to win this game, with the point spread varying depending on the sportsbook.
Q: What time does the game start?
A: The Jets vs. Texans game is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, September 10th, 2023 at 1:00 PM EST.
Tips for Watching Jets vs. Texans
1. Pay Attention to the Running Game: Both teams have good running backs, so keep an eye on how those matchups play out. 2. Watch the Quarterback Battles: This is a chance to see how Zach Wilson and C.J. Stroud perform under pressure. Look for their accuracy and ability to read the field. 3. Don't Overlook Special Teams: The Jets' special teams were a weakness last year, so see if they've made any improvements in that area. 4. Keep an Eye on the Texans' Defense: While the Texans are rebuilding, their defense has some young and talented players. See how they perform against the Jets' offense. 5. Enjoy the Game: Sit back, relax, and enjoy a good game of football.
Summary of Jets vs. Texans
This Week 1 matchup between the Jets and Texans is full of potential for excitement and intrigue. We'll see the Jets' offense try to make a statement after their off-season makeover, while the Texans' defense is looking to step up under a new regime. Keep an eye on the performances of Zach Wilson, C.J. Stroud, Dameon Pierce, and other young stars on both sides of the ball. This game will be a good indicator of where both teams stand heading into the new season.
