Via Last Word on Pro Football, by John Jackson
The New York Jets (4-9) came back from a 14-point deficit at halftime against the San Francsico 49ers (1-12) in overtime during Week 14. The Jets have three games remaining in 2016 and they are all against their divisional opponents. This week the Jets will face the Miami Dolphins (8-5) who are in the thick of a playoff race.
New York Jets Week 15 Keys to Victory
The Jets Defense Must Take Advantage of Ryan Tannehill‘s Absence
Ryan Tannehill suffered an ACL and MCL injury last week on a hit from Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell during Week 14. While the injury is not as bad as originally thought, he will still miss this week against the Jets. Backup quarterback Matt Moore will take over for the first time since 2011. While Tannehill may not be considered an elite quarterback, he still puts up good numbers consistently year after year. The Dolphins will now go from a reliable quarterback to a wild card quarterback.
The Jets must take advantage of this if they want to win. The front seven should consistently put pressure on Moore. The goal should be to make him uncomfortable.
The Jets are 22nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed. If they allow Moore to get into a groove, there’s no telling what can happen.
Bryce Petty Needs to Show Improvement
Bryce Petty finished Week 14 by going 23/35 for 257 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. While he did show some improvement in the second half, including the Jets first two-point conversion in six years, he still had an average performance at best. Average might be good enough to beat the 1-12 49ers, but that will not translate well against the Dolphins.
Petty has to avoid turning over the ball. Turnovers have killed the Jets all year and Petty has already shown a susceptibility in that category as he has four interceptions on the year compared to two touchdown passes.
Petty must also get rid of the ball quickly. The Jets offensive line has been battered with injuries this season. Pro Bowlers Ryan Clady and Nick Mangold are out for the season. Breno Giacomini has only played five games and his status for this game is uncertain. The offensive line has been anything but reliable and Petty must realize that. Last week he got sacked six times. He will likely get a lot of pressure this week as well.
Petty has to find a way to get rid of the ball quickly without throwing an interception. He isn’t being set up for success, but he must overcome this if he wants to prove that he is worthy to be considered for the Jets starting job next year.
Bilal Powell Has to Pick Up Where He Left Off
Bilal Powell was the MVP of Week 14. Powell had perhaps the best game of his career on a day that Matt Forte was supposed to be starting. Powell rushed 29 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns; including the game winner in overtime. He also caught five passes for 34 yards.
Forte’s status is murky against the Dolphins. Even if he does play, it is unlikely that he will be at 100%. Powell has to be ready to pick up where he left off in Week 14. While he doesn’t have to replicate his exact numbers from last week, he should be ready to perform well in whatever role he may have during Week 15.
