Jets vs Giants: 3 keys to victory for Gang Green

For today’s Jets vs Giants game, here are 3 keys to victory for Gang Green.

Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tight end Adrien Robinson (81) runs with the ball while being defended by New York Jets defensive back Marcus Gilchrist (21) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Today, the 6-5 Jets are squaring off against their big brother, the 5-6 Giants in an extremely meaningful game for both teams. The Jets are in a wildcard race in the very competitive AFC while the Giants are in a fight with the Redskins for the NFC East division crown. The loser will put themselves in a hole that can be tough to dig out of with just four games remaining, so this one is absolutely crucial.

Gang Green is coming off of a much-needed 38-20 win over the Dolphins to complete the season sweep. Ryan Fitzpatrick and the rest of the offense rolled as they pummeled Miami from start to finish. Fitzpatrick tossed four touchdowns and Chris Ivory returned to his normal self rushing for 87 yards on 21 carries to go along with a hard-fought touchdown.

The defense did their part as well. Cornerback Marcus Williams took the wind out of the Dolphins’ sails on their first drive as he picked off Ryan Tannehill on a third down play in the red-zone. The front-seven remained solid too as they tallied three sacks and a Tannehill fumble.

The Giants on the other hand look as shaky as can be. The G-Men fell behind the Redskins last Sunday 20-0 and failed to complete what would have been an amazing comeback. Standout receiver Odell Beckham Jr. hauled in a one-handed touchdown grab after Rueben Randle scored to cut the deficit to 20-7. That brought the Giants within six points before Washington milked the clock on the following possession and left Eli Manning and the offense with minimal time. The Skins sent the Giants to 5-6 and put themselves in control of their own destiny for a postseason berth.

Looking at this match-up on paper, you have to give the slight edge to Big Blue. The Giants have more to play for than the Jets due to the fact that the division can slowly slip away from them. They’re also a team that plays much better with their backs against the wall. They lost to Washington before playing Gang Green in 2011 as well, so it will be interesting to see if history repeats itself.

Here are 3 things the Jets must do to take down their big brother.

Next: 3. Lean on the Big 3

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a pass while being defended by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

3. Lean on the Big 3

Ivory, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker haven’t been anything less than amazing for the Jets all year. Last week, Ivory was able to get himself back on track even behind what’s been a below average offensive line as of late. In today’s match-up, he’ll have an easier task against a Giants’ defense that isn’t particularly strong.

Their run defense hasn’t looked that bad (19th in the league), but they haven’t faced many hard runners like Ivory. The G-Men run a 4-3 defense, therefore at times there will be holes because there’s only one inside linebacker in the middle, but Gang Green has to execute. The interior part of the o-line cannot afford to take another week off.

Marshall has simply continued his dominance since joining the Jets and showed no signs of slowing down. The All-Pro has racked up 931 yards to go along with nine touchdowns through 11 games. That puts him on pace for about 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns. The last receiver put up those kind of numbers in green and white was Santana Moss back in 2003.

More likely than not, the Giants will stick Marshall with Prince Amukamara for a majority of the game. When he’s on the field, he’s been Big Blue’s most reliable corner ever since he joined the team in 2011. He loves to get physical as does Marshall, so you can expect a tremendous battle between the two throughout the contest.

Decker on the other hand is on track to receive for about 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. The former Golden Gopher has surprisingly scored in every single game except for Week 7’s match-up against the Patriots and Week 11 in Houston. Today, he will most likely be matched up with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who still has some gas left in the tank. However, DRC relies on his speed more than physicality, so Decker has an advantage when it comes to fighting to get himself open.

Overall, solid performances out of these three workhorses are essential for the Jets to come away with a win.

Next: 2. Get production from Mauldin and Reilly

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) hits Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) In the 2nd half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

2. Get production from Lorenzo Mauldin and Trevor Reilly

Since the Jets are coming into this game with a very banged up defense, there are certain guys who have to step up in response. Darrelle Revis is still in the concussion protocol, Williams is doubtful with a sprained MCL, and safety Dion Bailey is dealing with a high-ankle sprain that’s kept him out for several weeks.

Currently, the Jets’ nickel corner is Dexter McDougle or Darrin Walls because Dee Milliner doesn’t even see the field. This will put a lot of pressure on New York’s pass rush to get after Manning and bail out the undermanned secondary.

On top of all that, Calvin Pace is banged up with an abdominal strain. He’s expected to play, but it’s very uncertain how much he’ll be on the field. As a result, Lorenzo Mauldin and Trevor Reilly will play a lot of snaps, so head coach Todd Bowles has no other choice but to send both after Manning early and often.

In a 3-4 defense, defensive linemen can’t get after the quarterback on each and every play. The Jets are lucky they have defensive linemen in Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams who can every now and then, but even they get tired after a few plays.

This leaves the job up to Mauldin and Reilly to get in the backfield when Pace is off the field. What gives Gang Green a big advantage is the fact that the Giants’ offensive line is actually very beat up. Tackle Marshall Newhouse is questionable to play with a back injury, center Weston Richburg is questionable with an ankle injury and guard Justin Pugh is expected to play despite suffering a concussion last week against the Redskins.

Even though the Giants’ line is battered, Mauldin and Reilly have only combined for four sacks on the season. It could come down to Pace toughening up and giving New York more snaps than expected, but the two youngsters have to produce regardless.

Next: 1. Contain Odell Beckham Jr.

Sep 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs for a touchdown during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

1. Contain Odell Beckham Jr.

The match-up that everyone has been waiting for all season long will unfortunately not be happening. After being ruled out yet again due to a concussion suffered in the Week 11 loss to Houston, “Revis Island” will be closed for a second consecutive week.

OBJ has been gearing up for this contest ever since the preseason, and after recent trash talk from Antonio Cromartie, things have become much more heated. A few weeks ago, Cromartie went on a limb calling Beckham Jr. a ‘one-year wonder’ and last week, he said OBJ has plenty of room to grow since he’s still young. With the way the Jets’ secondary has looked as of late, Cro is one to talk.

Given Cromartie’s performance over the course of the season, coach Bowles would be hard pressed not to use Buster Skrine on Beckham Jr. The Chattanooga graduate is quick enough to stay with him and even bat the ball away when it comes in his direction, but pretty much no one can cover this guy at the moment.

Next: Calvin Pryor developing into quite the leader for the Jets

OBJ is playing on a freakish level as one of the most athletic specimen the NFL has ever seen before. Critics this week even said Revis’ presence would not have made a difference, especially after getting toasted by Texans’ wideout DeAndre Hopkins on a 61-yard touchdown.

For the Jets to execute in stopping Beckham Jr., they have to put Skrine on him throughout the game. Any chance OBJ gets to make a play on Cromartie, he will come through each time. With Skrine covering him man-to-man, expect coach Bowles to provide him with plenty of help over the top.

Whether it’s Marcus Gilchrist, Calvin Pryor or even Rontez Miles, they’ll always be playing center field looking to prevent the big play. While Gang Green needs to keep all eyes on Beckham Jr., they cannot afford to forget about the other receivers. Randle, Dwayne Harris and Hakeem Nicks can do just as much damage if left wide open.