Throughout the season, NewYorkJets.com will provide a Stock Report focusing on the Jets' upcoming matchup.
This week's report features players and/or themes that are trending before the Green & White take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
📈 Armand Membou's Debut
Despite some pregame nerves, Jets rookie Armand Membou started at right tackle against the Steelers last Sunday and put together a strong performance in his professional debut.
"It wasn't too big for him," OC Tanner Engstrand said. "I think everyone is going to have pregame jitters the night before. … But he settled into the game nicely and I think he put a good first showing out there so we're looking for him to build on that and continue to have consistency there."
The No. 7 overall pick in April's NFL Draft led the team's offense with an 89.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. In addition, he did not allow a pressure over 26 pass block snaps, 22 of which came against former NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt.
📈 Justin Fields' Pass Attack
Since being drafted 11th overall in 2021, fans, media and scouts have been enamored with Justin Fields' explosive ability and his potential as a runner.
And while the former Ohio State signal caller flashed those traits in Week 1 against the Steelers, scoring twice on the ground, it was his versatility that excited HC Aaron Glenn.
"That's always been the plan, to let him play quarterback," Glenn said. "He is a versatile player and whatever the game plan consists of he's going to go out there and he's going to operate as best he can."
OC Tanner Engstrand added: "I thought that Justin took what the defense gave him. We've talked about that a lot here and when the defense was giving the opportunity to take an explosive play or push the ball down the field, he did it."
On 19 straight drop backs last Sunday, Fields completed 14-of-18 attempts (78%) for 187 yards and a touchdown. Fields' 10.4 yards per attempt were ranked second-best in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
"I look forward to seeing him mature throughout the season," Glenn said. "And continue to grow as a passer in that part of his game."
📈 Will McDonald IV
The Jets' offense garnered most of the headlines following their explosive outing in Week 1. But flying under the radar was the performance by edge Will McDonald IV.
McDonald, who played sparingly as a rookie, broke out last season with 10.5 sacks and picked up right where he left off last Sunday versus Pittsburgh. The No. 15 overall pick in 2023 sacked Aaron Rodgers twice, both coming on third-down plays, and totaled 3 pressures and 2 tackles for loss.
"I think he's a guy that's going to continue to improve each and every week," DC Steve Wilks said. "I think he's done an outstanding job in the run game as well, where a lot of people don't give him credit for it. They just see the splash plays, which I love as well. He never misses a beat."
📉 Ed Oliver's Health
Bills DE Ed Oliver was added to Buffalo's injury report Thursday with an ankle injury. He missed the team's walkthrough and was wearing a walking boot.
Oliver, 27, was a bright spot for the Buffalo defense last Sunday, which struggled contain the Ravens in Week 1. He was credited with 1 sack, 4 QB pressures, 5 tackles and a forced fumble.
"Ed had a big game," Bills HC Sean McDermott said. "You could feel his play out there. A really complete game."
The Bills and Oliver hope he can duplicate Sunday night's performance against the Jets .
"Hopefully," Oliver said about his season-opening performance as a possible sign of things to come. "But you know I got to take it one week at a time."
