Falcons Prepare for Tyrod Taylor’s Jets Debut in Crucial Matchup
The Atlanta Falcons are set to travel north for a pivotal Week 13 clash against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. As the Falcons strive to remain competitive in the playoff race for the NFC South, they face a Jets offense that has struggled to find its footing. In a bold move to jumpstart their attack, the Jets have turned to veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor, replacing Justin Fields in hopes of revitalizing a unit that currently ranks last in the NFL in offensive production.
A New Era Under Center for the Jets
Tyrod Taylor, a seasoned 15-year veteran, will make his first start of the season against Atlanta. This marks the 61st start of his career, and the Falcons have been preparing meticulously for this matchup. Taylor’s experience brings a different dynamic to the Jets, especially considering the challenges Fields faced during his tenure. Fields, a former first-round pick, struggled significantly, recording a 2-7 record as a starter with a total QBR ranking of 29th. Over the course of his starts, he threw for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and just one interception, while also contributing 383 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Head coach Raheem Morris expressed his respect for Taylor’s capabilities. “Tyrod’s been around for a long time. He does a nice job of delivering the football out of his hands, getting it to different people,” Morris noted. He emphasized Taylor’s adaptability, having learned multiple offenses and serving effectively as a mentor to younger players on the roster. “When he’s had his opportunities to play, he’s played well. He’s had the chance to start before. He started well,” Morris added.
Adjustments on Offense
In his recent outing, Taylor completed 17 of 28 passes for 222 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. While designed quarterback runs may not be as prevalent with Taylor at the helm, he is expected to execute a similar offensive strategy to that of Fields. This season, Taylor has accumulated 99 rushing yards on 19 attempts, showcasing his versatility.
Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich highlighted that the Jets’ overall offensive scheme remains largely unchanged despite the quarterback switch. “From a pass game perspective, the keepers and the quarterback movement, that’s Tyrod,” he explained. Ulbrich indicated that Taylor’s efficiency and understanding of the game could open up the passing attack more than it was under Fields. “Maybe they think they could do a little bit more drop back with him and open up the pass game a little bit more than maybe they had with Fields,” he said.
The Ground Game’s Consistency
Despite the quarterback change, the Jets’ rushing attack has maintained its consistency. The coaching staff aims to impose their will through physicality, making running back Breece Hall a central figure in their offensive game plan. Hall, even while playing for a team often trailing in games, averages 17.8 touches for 97 yards each contest. Ulbrich acknowledged the importance of the run game, stating, “The run game is going to stay the same, minus the quarterback runs that were designed for Fields. There’s steady improvement in that department.”
The Jets are committed to being a physical offense, aiming to assert dominance on the line and with their running backs. Ulbrich noted, “They want to impose their will. And you’ve seen that in some really strong spurts this year from them.”
Falcons’ Defensive Strategy
To counter the Jets’ offense, the Falcons will rely on their formidable front seven. The return of linebacker Divine Deablo has reinvigorated Atlanta’s defense, allowing them to recapture some of their earlier-season dominance. In their recent game against the Saints, another team that made a midseason quarterback switch, the Falcons limited their rivals to a mere 3.8 yards per play and just three points.
While recognizing the potential impact of Taylor under center, the Falcons remain confident in their ability to stifle the Jets’ offense. Taylor may bring stability, but the Jets still face limitations. If Atlanta’s front seven performs as it did with Deablo back in the lineup, they are positioned to seize a critical victory in this high-stakes encounter.
