New York Jets

Gang Green must rely on defense in Week 1

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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For the Bengals vs Jets Week 1 matchup, Gang Green easily has one of the best defenses in the NFL. They will have to take advantage of that in order to beat Cincinnati.

That ball-hawking defense of the New York Jets needs to be on display in Week 1. The season opener in this Bengals vs Jets matchup is easily their best opportunity to start the year getting a few interceptions and a big win as a result of their execution.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has only thrown at least one interception in six of his 28 games (21.4%), Alex Smith in 54 of his 126 games (42.9%), and Russell Wilson in 28 of 64 games (43.8%). When it comes to two or more interceptions it’s even lower for this trio of quarterbacks. Taylor has done that in only 1 of 28 games (3.6%), Smith in 20 of 126 (15.9%), and Wilson five out of 64 (7.8%).

On the other hand, quarterback Andy Dalton is higher than all three of these players in both categories, based on percentage. Dalton has thrown at least one interception in 45 out of 77 games (54.8%) and two or more in 20 out of 77 (26%). The Bengals are also 8-11-1 when he throws two or more interceptions.

Marcus Williams, Darrelle Revis, Marcus Gilchrist, and Calvin Pryor all had multiple interceptions in 2015. We should expect them to have their noses to the football against Dalton. With the improved pass rush, the team should be able to get more chances at interceptions as well.

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Dalton doesn’t deal with pressure very well.

When he has a clean pocket and no pressure, his career total QBR is 91.7 (on a scale of 0-100).

However, when he faces pressure, it drops to a 4.7.

When he’s had a passer rating of under 100, the team is 25-23-1.

On the other hand, the Bengals are 26-3 when it’s 100+. In the 24 games in which the Bengals didn’t win with a passer rating of under 100, he threw only 24 touchdowns versus 34 interceptions with a completion percentage of 57.2%.

If the Jets can get pressure on Dalton and force turnovers, the can defeat the Bengals. If they do that, it would be the best way to start the season showing the football world this defense is ready to once again make some noise in 2016.

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