The 5-8 New York Jets will travel to New Orleans to take on the 9-4 New Orleans Saints. The Jets chances of going into New Orleans and getting a win are extremely slim. The Saints haven’t lost at home since week two when the New England Patriots, who some consider the best team in the NFL, beat them 36-20. Meanwhile, the New York Jets just got shutout by the Denver Broncos and in the process lost their starting quarterback, Josh McCown, to injury. McCown is out for the year and the offense will take a serious step back. So what are the Jets keys to victory? Get a new roster, one that is more talented with a better quarterback. However, that isn’t an option so here is what they can do to make the game more competitive and somehow upset the Saints.
Week 15 New York Jets Keys to Victory
Pressure the Quarterback
Drew Brees is a future Hall of Famer and probably a first ballot caliber player. There is only one way to rattle a quarterback like that, especially him: you need constant pressure. Todd Bowles, who is a defensive minded coach, needs to constantly keep him on his toes. That means getting pressure with three and four rushers and disguising different coverages.
Brees is a professional who has been doing this a long time. If the Jets can’t get pressure in base packages it will be an extremely long day for their depleted secondary. The Jets will also be without Muhammad Wilkerson after he didn’t make the trip due to a coach’s decision. That means the Jets defensive line will have to step up their game even more. It could prove to be their most difficult task of the season.
Run the Ball
With Bryce Petty behind center, the Jets offense will have to compensate for what they’re losing without McCown launching the ball. McCown showed serious chemistry and poise with Gang Green’s receivers. Chemistry is something that will need time to develop with Petty if it ever does. Not only is that a problem, but coaches have often said the McCown is one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league, hence why he has been able to stay in the league for so long.
Petty is a young gunslinger that hasn’t seen much action. That is why the Jets will need their run game to be at its best. There is no better compliment for a young or struggling quarterback than an efficient run game. Not only will it set play action up and take a second off the pass rushers of the Saints, but it will keep Brees off the field. If the Jets don’t rush the ball efficiently they won’t get a win on Sunday.
Todd Bowles’ gameplan
The Jets have had turbulent success during Bowles’ tenure as head coach in the Big Apple. His teams have shown up mightily against tough opponents (Patriots in 2015, Kansas City Chiefs this year) but have also floundered when they need a win the most. As unfair as it might be due to his depleted roster, Bowles could be coaching for his job. Ownership will take a long look at how his deflated team rebounds against one the league’s best teams. Will he be able to rally them with a great gameplan or will they fall flat like they did against the Broncos?
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