New York Jets: 5 X-factors to watch vs. Falcons in Week 8

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 24: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets sacks Jay Cutler #6 of the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 24: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets sacks Jay Cutler #6 of the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 22: Josh McCown MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 22: Josh McCown #15 of the New York Jets passes during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 22: Josh McCown MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 22: Josh McCown #15 of the New York Jets passes during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

5. Josh McCown, QB

In the last two weeks, McCown has been the victim of other people. Against the Patriots, the referees spoiled what was his 15th career 300-yard passing game, and last week against the Dolphins he fell victim to the offensive coordinator’s faulty game plan. With that said, McCown showed in both games that he’s capable of leading this team to victory, and not just riding along.

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For the second time in three weeks, McCown and the offense is facing a team that has allowed more than three touchdowns per game (22 points per game allowed) going into the game. He has shown this season what he is capable of in this offense. He’s building trust in the young receivers, and their running game is fully functional.

It’s not about just getting the big play for McCown, but being timely with the big play. He’s not gunslinger type. However, he takes calculated risks when they are necessary, and he’s proven this season he know when to take them. He’s going to have to take calculated risks and score against this defense, because this offense is due for a breakout game. It’s up to McCown to get the job done for the Jets to walk out victorious and back at .500.