Most New York Jets fans aren’t exactly thrilled with how the start of the 2025 season looks for the organization. Four of the team’s first six opponents made the playoffs last season, and all six have made the playoffs at least once over the last two years.
But while the organization certainly doesn’t have an easy stretch to begin the year, one of their opponents has received some miserable news ahead of training camp.
And it might just change how the Jets perceive themselves to start the new season.
Jets’ 2025 Opponent Concerns
Much has been made about the Jets’ first two matchups to start the 2025 season. A revenge game against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers will be followed by an AFC East clash against the Buffalo Bills.
Those won’t be easy tests for New York.
Perhaps their Week 3 showdown will have more luck. The Jets are scheduled to travel to Florida to take on the defending NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay is considered a Super Bowl contender in an open NFC. They have a strong collection of offensive weapons and an improved defense.
The same cannot be said for their offensive line. Tristan Wirfs, Tampa’s All-Pro tackle, will likely start the season on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday, as reported by ESPN.
Should Wirfs start the season on the PUP list, he will miss Tampa Bay’s first four games.
That means the Buccaneers will be without their best offensive lineman for their contest against the Jets.
New York will never hope for injuries. No reasonable person should. But it’s not outlandish to say that the Jets have a much better chance at beating the Bucs without their top lineman on the field. The Jets have a strong duo of young edge rushers in Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald.
Will the pairing be good enough to make life miserable for Tampa’s offense in Week 3?
Only time will tell. Their job would be much easier without Wirfs to deal with.