GET PRESSURE ON MAC
The Jets defense will see a familiar face under center. After Trevor Lawrence was placed on injured reserve, Mac Jones, who played three seasons with the Patriots, will start against the Jets. In six games this season, Jones has passed for 732 yards, two TDs and five interceptions. The key for the defense will be consistently pressuring Jones to force him into errant throws in the pocket. During last weekend’s OT loss to the Dolphins, the Jets didn’t sack Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa once or register a single hit against him.
HOLD THE LEAD
Gang Green’s slow start to this season has sounded like a broken record. However, after the loss to Miami, there are some reasons for optimism. The Jets scored on their first five possessions against the Dolphins. Although they still haven’t scored a touchdown on their opening possession of the game, the Jets did score two TDs and had a 23-15 advantage heading into the fourth quarter before only scoring three points combined the rest of the way to lose 32-26. It is mind-boggling to think a team with Aaron Rodgers is 0-5 when having a fourth-quarter lead this season. The Jets have also blown fourth-quarter leads in their last three games. If the Jets can’t hold a fourth-quarter lead against the lowly Jaguars, who can they keep the lead against?
USE THE RUN TO SET UP THE PASS
The Jets have leaned into their passing game in recent weeks. But it is time to use the rushing attack to hold a late lead and take pressure off Rodgers. It will likely be the Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis show once again after Breece Hall‘s knee injury continues to prevent him from practicing. Last week, Allen and Davis combined to rush for 83 yards and a TD. Jacksonville’s defense is 24th in the league in rushing yards allowed (132.6). If the Jets have another late-game lead, they would be wise to use Allen and Davis heavily.
