Jets TakeOff! Week 14 Preview: New York Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Dec 2, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Week 14 is just a day away, and the Jets take their 5-7 record to Jacksonville to take on Chad Henne, Justin Blackmon, and the rest of the Jaguars. The Jaguars head into what some are calling the “Let’s Get it Over With” bowl with a 2-10 record, coming off of a 34-18 loss to the Bills last week. The Jets are coming off of their Greg McElroy-led 7-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals last week. Let’s look at the history between these two teams.

These two teams have met nine times with the Jaguars winning 6 of those meetings, including 3 of the last 5. The last time these two teams met was in September of 2011, when the Jets won 32-3. Dustin Keller recorded 6 catches for 101 yards and a TD, and the defense forced 4 INT’s, two by Antonio Cromartie. Here are your keys to the game:

MISTAKE FREE OFFENSE

We all know the one thing that kills Mark Sanchez more than anything: TURNOVERS! Mark Sanchez has this wonderful propensity for shooting himself in the foot. It’s not a good look. If ever Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense were going to get things right, this would be the week it will happen. The Jaguars defense is ranked 28th against the pass, and 31st against the run. The Jets running game has been vastly improved of late, running for 4.3 yards per carry over the past two months. “Ground and Pound” should be able to do its thing tomorrow.

But not if they turn the ball over.

Mark Sanchez has the opportunity to carve up a very porous pass defense. Tony Sparano has to give the pass offense a chance to get the ball down the field. The Jets need to attack, and should be successful. But not if they turn the ball over.

The Jets must play mistake free on offense.

Nov 25, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) heads for the end zone on a seven-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

ANTONIO CROMARTIE VS JUSTIN BLACKMON

With it looking more and more like Cecil Shorts is going to miss Sunday’s game, the Jaguars are lacking for weapons that can get separation form defenders (sound familiar?) The one exception for the Jags has been Justin Blackmon. He had a breakout game three weeks ago against the Texans, when he recorded 7 catches for 236 yards and a TD. He has caught TD’s in two out of the last three games. If anyone is going to cause trouble, it’s Blackmon. Coach Ryan said that Blackmon will be guarded by Cromartie for most of the game, and this matchup will go a long way in determining the winner tomorrow.

PRESSURE ON CHAD HENNE

The Jets should be able to get pressure on Henne. These receivers have a tough time getting separation, which gives Mo Wilkerson and company time to get in the backfield. Henne can be rattled if the Jets can get to him. The Jets must get in the backfield and in Henne’s face tomorrow, and they should be able to do so.

There are your keys to the game. Thanks for reading.