There was nothing Mike White-esque about Tim Boyle’s first start with the Jets.
He didn’t provide a spark or create any glimmer of hope with Gang Green teetering on the brink of postseason irrelevance again.
And unlike White when he took over last year for a benched Zach Wilson, Boyle also didn’t attempt many deep throws, with just four passes traveling more than 10 yards, according to ESPN.
His 4.71 yards per attempt was lower than any of White’s four starts (11.25, 6.47, 6.09, 5.22) in 2022, too, according to Pro-Football-Reference.
Boyle cited a desire to blend the different elements of the offense — running the ball, quick throws, deep passes — in his second start Sunday against Falcons, but when asked about the balance between the short completions, which he has called his strength, and the throws downfield, Boyle deferred to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
“I trust Coach Hackett,” Boyle said. “Those are his decisions. I completely trust why he calls what he calls in certain moments. It’s my job to execute it.”
Boyle finished the 34-13 loss to the Dolphins with 179 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, but the Jets either punted or turned the ball over on every possession until their second-to-last drive in the fourth quarter.
Still, Boyle thought the Jets produced something to build on during that final frame.
He felt like they moved the ball and kept completing passes with the no-huddle offense.
The Falcons have recorded the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL with 22, so the Jets’ depleted offensive line — which started another combination Friday with rookie Carter Warren making his first career start — could have an easier matchup, too.
And with Aaron Rodgers’ 21-day practice window opening Wednesday, Sunday’s game — and any other Boyle starts — becomes even more important.
Rodgers’ return could hinge on the Jets (4-7) having a chance at a postseason berth. Boyle downplayed whether that added any increased importance, though.
“We’re trying to win football games,” he said. “If that’s a by-product of us winning football games, I’m happy for [Rodgers]. But I don’t think it adds a level of pressure or stress to us.”
Head coach Robert Saleh felt good about Mekhi Becton (ankle) returning Sunday after a one-week absence, but he was more coy about Duane Brown’s status — noting, instead, how Carter Warren impressed to the point where they want to give him opportunities, too.
The 21-day practice windows for OL Wes Schweitzer and DB Justin Hardee also opened Wednesday.
RB Israel Abanikanda (illness) didn’t practice Wednesday. Becton, Rodgers, Schweitzer, Hardee, CB Michael Carter II (hamstring), RB Breece Hall (hamstring), DL Will McDonald IV (shoulder) and OL Billy Turner (finger) were limited participants. LB Sam Eguavoen (hip) and TE Kenny Yeboah (hamstring) practiced fully.