New York Jets Dominate the Tennessee Titans to Move to 8-5
The New York Jets could have taken the bait of a potential “trap game against the Tennessee Titans. Instead, they dominated in all phases of the game on the way to a huge win, and an 8-5 record.
35. Final. 30. 30. 8
Earlier in the week, we talked about the potential of a “trap” game. With the Cowboys, Patriots, and Bills looming, the New York Jets could have looked past the 3-9 Tennessee Titans. Instead, the Jets took control over the game from the opening drive, beating the Titans 30-8. The score doesn’t even indicate how badly the Jets outplayed the Titans, and they run their record to 8-5, marking their first three game winning streak since 2011.
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More importantly, they hold onto the second Wild Card position in the AFC, which is music to the ears of Jets’ fans.
It was important for the Jets to start quickly, and that is exactly what they did. The opening drive took 15 plays over 80 yards, giving them a 7-0 lead, and they never looked back. The Titans didn’t even take an offensive snap in Jets’ territory until the second half.
The argument could be made that Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing the best football of his NFL career. Three touchdowns on Sunday and no interceptions puts Fitzpatrick’s TD/INT ratio at 25:11. Sunday marked the third week in a row that Ryan Fitzpatrick has not thrown an interception. Fitzpatrick is playing well down the stretch, and Jets’ fans are appropriately excited.
Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver
(15) celebrates his touchdown against the Tennessee Titans with New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Some of the biggest gains have been in the communication between Fitzpatrick and Brandon Marshall. Late in the first half, there was confusion on the Titans’ defense lining up for a play. We later learned there was a problem with the audio communication, but the result was a lot of standing around and staring by the Titans’ players. Marshall and Fitzpatrick saw it, they quick snapped, and the result was a 69 yard Jets’ touchdown.
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When your starting quarterback and top receiver are on the same page, only good things can happen.
As individual performances go, on defense, Muhammad Wilkerson was all over the football field. He posted five tackles, three sacks (marking 12 for the year), and a forced fumble. The defense kept Marcus Mariota in the pocket all day, and were in his face constantly. He was sacked five times and pressured many others. The Jets were every bit the defense we expected on Sunday.
Congratulations to Buster Skrine on his first interception for the Jets.
Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center
(74) congratulates running back
(29) after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Don’t diminish the importance of the way the offensive line played either. The Jets’ offensive line kept Fitzpatrick clean, aside from one sack. They allowed Chris Ivory and company to rush for 183 net yards, a 5.4 yards per carry clip. The offense posted 439 yards for the game overall, and the offensive line played a huge role in that. I’ve said it many times before, when the offensive line plays well, your offense plays well.
Next: Are the Patriots in Real Trouble?
Next up for the Jets is a Saturday night date with the Dallas Cowboys. With the Cowboys fighting for the NFC East, this should be a good one.