By Tom Kiss
After a truly pitiful display on Monday night in San Diego, there are certainly many questions looming over the Jets heading into Sundays game. The defense, which had looked strong through the first two weeks, completely fell apart after Kris Jenkins walked off the field with a back injury. The offense continued to struggle and was unimpressive despite putting 29 points on the board. This makes this week’s game a must win for the Jets as falling to 1-3 would be devastating to their season.
When the Jets have the ball:
The Jets offense has got to get it together. The offensive line, which has four first round draft picks on it, took a major step back last week as Brett Favre was running for his life. Thomas Jones ran the ball well early, but his fumble was also key in the loss. Leon Washington must become a bigger part of the Jets offense as he is the best play maker on the roster.
Favre had a tough day, throwing a few picks and injuring his ankle. Favre will certainly play, but we are now at the point where he knows enough of the offense that there are no excuses. Expect Favre to play much better after the bad performance on the national stage, but if the defense plays the same as it did in San Diego, the Jets have no chance.
When the Cardinals have the ball:
This will be a long day for the Jets secondary as they go up against (in my opinion) the best receiving duo in the league. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin have been stellar this year and Kurt Warner will test the Jets secondary often with these two. The Jets will need a consistent pass rush on Warner, who has a tendency to struggle with pressure, to disrupt this combo.
With Jenkins in the game the Jets defense did well against the run but fell apart without him. If the Jets allow the Cardinals to have a running game they will be dead to rights with that potent passing attack.
Match up of the game: Dwight Lowery vs. Anquan Boldin
Revis should be ok with Fitzgerald on the other side, but Lowery will have his hands full as Warner will be throwing it to his side the majority of the game. Boldin is an elite receiver and will make Lowery work hard every play.
Prediction: NYJ 27 – ARI 24