New York Jets: 3 X-Factors to watch vs. Panthers in Week 12

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets celebrates a tackle against running back Tevin Coleman #26 (not pictured) of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

3. Muhammad Wilkerson

In order for the Jets to win this game, they will have to keep Cam Newton in the pocket. They can’t allow him to escape and cause a jailbreak situation in the secondary, because he can they run or pass.

The Jets will have to bring the heat on Newton early and often. According to Pro Football Focus Elite, Newton’s passer rating dips by 18 points when facing pressure. Newton’s completion percentage drops from 62 percent to 52.1 percent when facing pressure and he’s tied for seventh-most interceptions in the NFL (4) in that situation.

When the edge rusher keep contain on Newton, Muhammad Wilkerson will have to finish the job. Force Newton into bad throws, or register sacks. Either way it’s a good thing for the defense. He will also have to keep up playing well against the run. He’s pursued the runners well making 13 tackles beyond the line of scrimmage and 13 tackles behind the line (via Pro Football Focus Elite).

He seems to be getting healthier by the week. So, it’s Wilkerson’s time to shine and show what he can do when he’s near 100 percent healthy. If he can help contain Superman, that would be the next step in showing he belongs in 2018.

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