Jets Hit Jackpot; Top Draft Pick Already Emerging As Star
The New York Jets had their hands full with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. Justin Fields and company scored 32 points on the loaded Steelers defense, but it wasn't enough as Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense scored 34 points to defeat the Jets.
Despite the loss, there were some very impressive players from Aaron Glenn's team. Fields, obviously, was spectacular in his Jets debut. Garrett Wilson was impressive, too. But none of it would have been possible without the offensive line.
Justin Fried of The Jet Press recently called rookie offensive tackle Armand Membou one of the Jets' biggest winners from the Week 1 loss to the Steelers.
Armand Membou called Week 1 winner for Jets despite loss
"The entire Jets' offensive line deserves a shoutout for its performance on Sunday. Despite losing arguably the unit's best player, Alijah Vera-Tucker, to injury just days before the season-opener, the Jets' offensive line bullied Pittsburgh in the run game and held up well in pass protection against a stacked Steelers front," Fried wrote. "No performance was more impressive, however, than that of rookie Armand Membou. The Jets' first-round pick made his debut on Sunday, drawing a matchup against one of the NFL's most vaunted pass rushers, T.J. Watt.
"Membou finished the game as the Jets' second-highest-graded offensive player behind only Justin Fields, according to preliminary Pro Football Focus grades. He allowed zero total pressures on 25 pass-block snaps. You couldn't have asked for a better debut from the Jets' rookie tackle."
Membou was tasked with going against TJ Watt, the Steelers' All-Pro edge rusher. Although the Jets chipped Watt on nearly every snap, Membou held his own against one of the best pass rushers of this generation. Watt still made plays and impacted the game, as everybody expects he would, but he didn't wreck the game.
The Jets caught a lot of slack for choosing Membou over players like Tetairoa McMillan and Tyler Warren, but it's already looking like a great pick. Franchise offensive tackles are one of the more valuable types of players to land, and the Jets have seemingly found themselves one at the top of the first round this year.
Joey Bosa SILENCES Doubters in Epic Bills' Debut – "I'm Just Getting Started!"
Joey Bosa proved his doubters wrong in his Buffalo Bills debut, showing that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank after years of injuries and uncertainty. In a thrilling 41-40 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, Bosa’s presence on the field was undeniable, even if his stats didn’t reflect the full extent of his impact.
“I knew there were doubts, but I’ve always been motivated by proving people wrong,” Bosa said after the game. “I’m just getting started here in Buffalo, and I’m ready to bring everything I have to help this team win. I’m not here to just play—I’m here to make an impact, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help us get where we need to go.”
The 5-time Pro Bowl defensive end was signed by the Bills in the offseason to a one-year, $12.6 million deal, following the Los Angeles Chargers cutting ties with him after multiple injury setbacks. Last season, Bosa’s production dipped, averaging just 4.7 sacks per year and playing only 28 games over the past three seasons. But the veteran defensive lineman wasted no time in showing why he’s still among the league’s elite.
Despite recording only two QB pressures and one forced fumble, Bosa’s ability to impact the game went far beyond the box score. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich had high praise for Bosa's performance, acknowledging his relentless effort on every play.
“Joey Bosa played his tail off, man,” Babich said after the game. “He played his tail off. Very intentional. He wanted to play really well, and he did just that.”
The Real Impact of Bosa’s Performance
Although Bosa didn’t log a sack, his performance in affecting the Ravens' offense, especially the quarterback, was evident. Babich pointed out Bosa’s ability to disrupt plays, even if his stats didn’t fully show it.
“Yesterday, he ran great,” Babich said. “It’s unfortunate he didn’t get more sacks, but he definitely impacted the quarterback. No doubt about that.”
Bosa was on the field for 69% of defensive plays during the game, and his work ethic and determination are already shining through in his first season with the Bills. Babich made it clear that keeping Bosa healthy and managing his workload throughout the season will be key to maintaining his high-level performance.
“We’ll make sure to be aware of Joey’s physical status and target exactly where we want him,” Babich added.
Bosa’s Confidence and the Road Ahead
Despite questions surrounding his injuries and whether he could return to his old form, Bosa is confident and ready to make a statement with the Bills.
“I feel good,” Bosa said. “I’ve worked hard to get back to where I’m at, and I’m excited to show what I can do. I’m here to help this team get to the next level. We have something special, and I’m just getting started.”
As the Bills push toward their Super Bowl aspirations in 2025, Joey Bosa will undoubtedly be a key piece in their defensive unit. If he continues to play with the same passion and energy as he did in his debut, Bosa could prove to be one of the most important signings of the season, helping elevate the Bills' defense to new heights.
"I’m here to make an impact," Bosa added. "And I’m not going anywhere."
