JB: I think one the keys for QB Brady Cook and the Jets to succeed against the Saints on Sunday is — unlikely as it may sound — for the defense to give the kid a break. Remember that he entered the Week 14 game against Miami after Tyrod Taylor departed with a groin injury, with the Green & White in a 21-0 hole. Then last week at Jacksonville, Cook found his team behind the 8-ball, trailing by 21-7 at the start of the second quarter. “I want to see him in a situation where man, the defense and offense and special teams complement each other,” HC Aaron Glenn said, speaking about Cook. “I think he deserves an opportunity to do it.” Yes, Cook has thrown 5 INTs in 2 games and has been sacked 9 times, but those numbers are really a reflection of the desperate situation the Jets found themselves dealing with as they chased not one, but two games. Cook has shown a coolness under pressure and has begun to build rapport with WRs like Isaiah Williams, Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III, plus TE Jeremy Ruckert (who signed a contract extension this week), especially with rookie Mason Taylor out injured. out.
SW: I expect to see Brady Cook’s chemistry with young receivers continue to grow. Last week in Jacksonville, we saw Cook connect with WR Adonai Mitchell on 6 occasions, one being his first career TD pass. Cook spoke highly of his connection with Mitchell this week, sharing that the duo watch film together and consistently get extra reps in. The rookie QB also connected with WR Isaiah Williams for 6 completions and John Metchie III for 4 in Sunday’s loss. Cook said with more reps, he has gotten more comfortable, and I expect to see the young trio continue to flash their potential to be reliable playmakers for the Missouri product. The Jets offense will have their work cut out for them as they face a challenging Saints defense allowing just 180.6 passing yards per game, the sixth fewest in the league. The Saints, however, rank toward the bottom of the league in INTs with 8 this season. Cook said ball security will be the priority this week, and he will have a prime opportunity to showcase that on Sunday.