Coming off another tough loss in Week 5, the New York Jets still have a ton of work to do if they want to turn things around this season and join the AFC wild card race. Their defense has taken their intensity up a few notches over the past couple of games and Zach Wilson hasn't thrown as many picks as of late. However, Wilson is yet to make it through an entire game without throwing an interception and each one has proven to be very costly for the Jets.
He is a rookie and he does need a lot more time to develop and adjust to the NFL, but the Jets can't survive an entire season with him playing like this. In dire need of serious changes, coach Robert Saleh will have to cook up a new game plan if the Jets are to make any progress.
Now, let's take a look at two major takeaways from their Week 5 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in London.
Team should sign a veteran quarterback
With Wilson's continued struggles and the Jets lacking a fluid offense through the first five weeks of the season, it may be time for the team to bring in a veteran quarterback who can mentor Wilson. Given there is a relatively scarce free agent QB market at the moment, it may be a bit challenging for the Jets to find a quality pocket presence that thrives under pressure.
A few names that come to mind though are Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III who are both available and ready for an opportunity to shine again on an NFL roster. They may not consider Griffin III due to his injury history, but Newton is healthy and could be a major contributor to the struggling Jets offense.
He is a big personality and is known to be difficult to deal with, but Saleh's patience and calming presence may be what Newton needs to get out of his funk. As a former NFL MVP and an experienced postseason performer, Newton could rejuvenate the Jets and give them a reliable veteran under center.
Currently seeking a shot at redemption, joining the squad could prove to be a mutually beneficial partnership. Newton would get another chance to prove himself as a reliable starter while showing the ropes to Wilson. The Jets would gain a multi-skilled Pro Bowler who could thrive in coordinator Mike LaFleur's offensive schemes.
Defense has stepped up in a major way
Even though they lost Sunday's showdown against the Falcons, the Jets defense has stepped up and made some big plays over the past couple of games. At one point during Sunday's matchup, the Jets were trailing the Falcons, 21-3 and although they had some solid performances on offense, their defense set the tone for them by making some timely stops. This in turn gave them additional offensive possessions that got them back into the game.
Under the direction of Saleh, a defensive mastermind, the Jets defense will only get better each week. Despite their losing record, their defensive efforts have been stronger with each game they've played this season. Hoping to continually make strides and improvements every week, the Jets will soon boast one of the better defensive units in the NFL.
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