New York Jets Must Not Fall Into the Trap Against the Titans
The New York Jets face the Tennessee Titans in a game that could be a major “trap” game. Here are the keys to not allow the Titans to derail the Jets’ playoff hopes.
Week 14 is here, New York Jets’ fans. The last four games are here, and it is time for the playoff push.
On Sunday afternoon, the Jets play host to Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans. The Jets are coming off of an exciting win over the New York Giants in overtime last week, hold a 7-5 record and the second AFC Wild Card position. The Titans are 3-9, but are coming off of a thrilling 42-39 win over the Jaguars, when the Titans posted 21 fourth quarter points.
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The Jets do have a favorable schedule the rest of the way, with only one team holding a winning record at the time of this post. With two games in the division, and one in primetime, the upcoming game with the Titans does hold the makings of a classic “trap” game.
New York must not fall into that trap. Here are the keys to avoiding it.
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach
(left) celebrates after New York Giants kicker
(not pictured) misses a field goal during overtime at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Come Out Fast
How many times have we watched this team come out flat? How many times have the Jets taken a quarter, or a half, sometimes longer, to get things going? It even happened last week against the Giants. The Jets were out of it until midway through the fourth quarter. It happens most often against the teams that they are supposed to beat, which makes these games “trap” games.
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How do they avoid this? Come out fast. Put together some first downs early in the game. Make some plays on defense. Get Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker involved early. Go early and often to the bread and butter, Chris Ivory. Don’t allow Delanie Walker and Dorial Green-Beckham to break open for a long pass early.
Seize the momentum early, and that will prevent the Jets from suffering from early “trap” symptoms.
Dec 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA;Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 42-39 at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Contain Marcus Mariota
Now here is a player that has had unique success as a rookie. Marcus Mariota entered the league with questions as to whether or not his game would translate into the NFL. He has responded by completing 63 percent of his passes, and throwing for 19 touchdowns versus only nine interceptions. The Titans have come up with an offense tailored to his strengths, and Marcus Mariota has responded.
He has been a difference maker with his legs. He has run the ball at an eight yards per carry clip, and last week, posted an 87-yard run for a touchdown.
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The Jets must keep him contained. Letting Mariota get to the outside is deadly, as evidenced by his performance last week. The Jets must force him to win the game with his arm. A rookie will make more mistakes from the pocket than they will on the run, when their instincts take over. If the Jets can keep him in the pocket and confuse him, they will be in excellent shape.
The Jets need this one to stay in prime position in the Wild Card race. Enjoy the game.