Jets Country

Jets' Young TE Turning Heads, Called 'Biggest Winner' Of Week 2

The Jets might begin using Jeremy Ruckert as a red zone target going forward...
Zach Pressnell|
Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert (89) celebrates after a play during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert (89) celebrates after a play during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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New York Jets

The New York Jets turned a lot of heads in Week 1. With the addition of head coach Aaron Glenn and quarterback Justin Fields, the Jets put together an offensive masterclass, producing 32 points in a shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But in Week 2, the Jets put together one of the worst offensive performances possible. Fields was horrendous before getting injured. The run game never got going. And Coach Glenn was completely outclassed from start to finish.

Either way, there were still a few bright spots from the game. A few players stood out and made a few plays.

Justin Fried of The Jet Press recently shared some praise for young Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert after Ruckert caught a touchdown in the Jets' embarrassing Week 2 loss. It was the first touchdown reception of Ruckert's four-year NFL career.

Jeremy Ruckert could be a crucial red zone target going forward

New York Jets tight end Jeremy Rucker
Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert (89) after the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

"There weren't many positive takeaways from Sunday's disaster, so we're really scraping the bottom of the barrel here," Fried wrote. "But hey, Jeremy Ruckert caught his first career touchdown in garbage time — so that's something, right? It was Ruckert's only catch of the game and came against a Bills defense that had already pulled some starters, but the moment was still cool for the homegrown Long Island native who grew up bleeding green and white.

"Ruckert entered the 2025 season firmly on the roster bubble but has quietly had a solid start to the year. It was nice to see his efforts rewarded with his first career score on Sunday, even if the moment came under the worst possible circumstances."

Ruckert wasn't expected to have a huge role for the team this season, and he still hasn't received much attention, but this touchdown could be the beginning of his new role on the team: a red zone threat.

Ruckert was a big red zone threat in college, as he excelled at making contested catches. This is the kind of trait that could be used on the Jets' offense, especially with Fields sidelined due to a concussion.

Mason Taylor is expected to take over as the team's tight end of the future, but Ruckert could still carve out a role as a red zone threat going forward.

More NFL: Justin Fields Facing Backlash; Called Jets 'Biggest Loser' In Week 2

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "New York Jets On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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