New York Jets: Must Win vs. Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday?

Who would have ever thought that a Week 9 game between the New York Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars would be a must win for the Jets?  Well, that is exactly where we are.

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Todd Bowles and the New York Jets are facing their first bit of adversity of the 2015 season.  After a tough loss to the Patriots in week seven, the Jets were absolutely manhandled by the Raiders, and the score of 34-20 didn’t even do the game justice.

At 4-3, the New York Jets are right in the middle of the AFC Wild Card race, after losing their hold on the fifth position last week.  Yes, it’s early to talk playoffs, but every game is important, and every AFC game is important.

The Jets are in the midst of a schedule that is favorable.  But, after two straight losses, they are in a very precarious position.  Rex Ryan will be bringing his Buffalo Bills to town for a reunion on Thursday night, making a short turn around after the Jaguars’ game.  Rex Ryan may get overhyped to play against the Patriots, but you know he is going to have his team ready to face the New York Jets.  It’s human nature.  The New York Jets fired Rex Ryan, he will be ready to show his former team what they gave up.

This game will set the town.  If the Jets lose to the Jaguars, it could quickly become a 4-5 record, and a four game losing streak.  A win for the Jets could change the momentum back into their favor, and set them up to start another winning streak, against a team they should beat in the Buffalo Bills.

November 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets center

(74, right) talks to quarterback

(14) on the sideline during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Mangold is listed as probable for Sunday’s game.  This is great news, as the New York Jets need him badly.  The Jets’ offensive line gave up three sacks last week, and the running game only mustered 3.5 yards per carry, and 74 yards for the game.  To get back on the winning track, both of these aspects of the game will need to be vastly improved.

All eyes will be on Ryan Fitzpatrick when the Jets go on offense for the first time.  After tearing a ligament on his left hand last week, and giving way to Geno Smith, Fitzpatrick practiced in full all week, using a glove on his left hand.  According to coach Bowles, Fitzpatrick showed no ill-effects from the injury, able to hand the ball off and take snaps with no problems.

The New York Jets best chance for success is with Fitzpatrick under center, so this is great news here.

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver

(17) carries the ball against New York Jets cornerback

(24) and strong safety

(34) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

There was a lot of talk this week about Darrelle Revis, and whether or not he was still an elite cornerback.  No receiver has posted big yardage against him, but he has allowed seven receptions out of 11 targets over the last two games, which could be better, obviously.

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He and the New York Jets’ defense must return to form this week.  After a strong start, the defense has looked very pedestrian, averaging 402 yards given up per game over the last two weeks, including 451 yards allowed last week in Oakland.  The “vaunted” defense has been more of a “haunted” defense, not forcing a turnover in the last two games.

The Jets’ offense is improved from last year, but it is hardly explosive.  The defense needs to give them some short fields to put points on the board.  Going the length of the field on every drive does not lend to the Jets’ strengths.  They must create turnovers on the defensive side of the football.

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Speaking of the Jets’ improved offense, it has been a rough couple of weeks for Chris Ivory.  After averaging over 100 yards per game in his first four appearances, Ivory has posted a mere 58 yards over the last two weeks.  As good as Ryan Fitzpatrick has been, and he has been good, Chris Ivory drives the New York Jets’ offense.  He must return to form in this must win game.

Believe it or not, the  Jets are in a must-win game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Hopefully, they heed the warning before it is too late.