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The New York Jets’ offensive line has been under the scanner for quite some time. Fans, media, and even the team itself have been desperate for a change, a fresh wave of strategy that could bring about a positive shift in the team’s performance. One name has been echoing in all these conversations – Jeremy Ruckert.
The Long-Awaited Decision
The clamoring for a change in the Jets’ offensive strategy has been loud and clear. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the moment when the coaching staff would finally heed their calls and bring about a major shift in the team’s offensive line. That moment finally came in Week 4, when offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett made some crucial decisions.
Nathaniel Hackett: The Man Behind The Change
Nathaniel Hackett, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, has had his fair share of criticism. Following a series of disappointing performances, fans and media had begun questioning his strategies. However, in Week 4, Hackett silenced his critics with a series of smart decisions. The most impactful of these was the increased involvement of Jeremy Ruckert.
Jeremy Ruckert: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
Jeremy Ruckert, the tight end for the New York Jets, has been a name on everyone’s lips. Fans have been calling for his increased involvement in the team’s offensive plays. Hackett’s decision to increase Ruckert’s playing time in the game against Kansas City was a well-received move.
Against the Chiefs, Ruckert saw his playing time increase considerably. He was on the field for a career-high 25 offensive snaps, accounting for 42% of the Jets’ total offensive snaps.
Ruckert’s Impact: A Game Changer for the Jets
The decision to increase Ruckert’s playing time paid off splendidly. The Jets’ offense saw a significant improvement with Ruckert on the field. He made his mark in both phases of the game, contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance.
Ruckert’s Contribution to the Passing Game
The impact of Ruckert’s increased involvement was clearly seen in the team’s passing numbers. With Ruckert on the field, the Jets’ quarterback, Zach Wilson, had a strong game. His passing numbers were impressive:
- He completed 9 out of 12 passes for 88 yards
- He had a 14-yard scramble
- He threw 2 touchdowns and no interceptions
- He was sacked once, resulting in a loss of 7 yards
- The team averaged 6.8 yards per play
- Wilson achieved a passer rating of 134.7
Ruckert himself had a strong game, catching both passes thrown his way for a total of 26 yards. His highlight of the game was an outstanding back-shoulder catch on a deep fade route.
Ruckert’s Blocking: A Key Aspect of the Running Game
Ruckert’s contribution to the Jets’ offense wasn’t just limited to his catching ability. He also made a significant impact as a blocker in the running game. With Ruckert on the field, the Jets ran for 66 yards on nine carries, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
Other Changes: A Shift in Strategy
The decision to increase Ruckert’s playing time wasn’t the only smart move made by Hackett. He also made some crucial decisions regarding other players’ involvement in the offense.
Xavier Gipson: A New Addition to the Offense
One such decision was the increased involvement of rookie Xavier Gipson in the offense. The Stephen F. Austin product saw his playing time increase considerably. He was on the field for 11 offensive snaps, compared to just one in the first three games of the season.
Mecole Hardman: Commanding Respect With His Speed
Another player who saw an increase in his playing time was Mecole Hardman. He was on the field for six snaps, his highest number outside of garbage time. Even though he wasn’t targeted in these snaps, his presence on the field had a significant impact.
The Way Forward: The Next Steps for the Jets
The changes made by Hackett in Week 4 have set the tone for the future. It’s clear that the Jets’ offensive line functions better with Ruckert’s increased involvement. The next step for Hackett and the team is to continue this trend.
The Jets’ offensive line has seen a significant improvement with the increased involvement of Jeremy Ruckert. The team will look to continue this trend and make further improvements to their offensive strategy. With Ruckert leading the charge, the future looks bright for the New York Jets.
