Can the Jets recover against Minnesota In London?

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers and Coach Saleh, via AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Is it too early in the season to say must-win? Last week was rough for the New York Jets, and the media scrutiny this week was abysmal. The narrative of a rift between Coach Saleh and star QB Aaron Rodgers over a pre-snap cadence has been the headline. Which is the dumbest thing. I mentioned it right after he said it in my article earlier this week, and I knew it'd become a problem because it was a dumb remark. I like Coach Saleh, but he acts as if he doesn't know how much scrutiny he can be when saying things like that to the media.

Easiest way to hush this talk of a rift over a pre snap cadence? Win this game. The Vikings are on a tear, the only team undefeated in the NFC and one of two undefeated in the NFL (Chiefs). Of course, they are led by Mr. "Most passing TDs in the NFL," former Jets QB Sam Darnold. Only the Jets would have two former quarterbacks be in the top 10 for passing yards. Although he's been off to an incredible start, his game still has cracks. Still thrown interceptions in three of his games and is yet to crack 300 yards.

This game will be centered around the Sauce Gardner and Justin Jefferson matchup. Sauce has had a few hiccups this season, and he can shut everyone up by shutting down the best wide receiver in the NFL. If Sauce lets him run up and down the field, it will be a long day for the Jets' defense. The Vikings OL has also had hiccups that I expect Will McDonald IV and Quinnen Williams can both take advantage of. The run defense is always a worry, but seeing what DL Leki Fotu, coming off IR, can do for this run defense is interesting. He was the guy they signed to fill that role, even though Al Woods is a free agent.

Depending on how they adapt to the weather, the offense will likely have another rough one. It is expected to be rainy this Sunday in London, so hopefully, they make adjustments. I don't know what it will take to fire up this offense like they did against New England, but whatever it is, they need to do it asap. A blowout loss is unacceptable. The AFC East is so winnable now, and they need to pounce on the opportunity. Buffalo faces Houston, and that matchup isn't favorable for them; with a win, the Jets could be in the conversation for first place. However, a loss here to Minnesota wouldn't be devastating because it's a non-AFC loss. They still need to win this game. Make a point to the media, and don't let the guy you traded away walk all over you. Sam has been great in his post-Jets career regarding public relations with the media when speaking about the Jets, but the Jets need this game. Go out there and prove everyone wrong. Defeat the same ole' Jets narrative that was brought back to life last week.