Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets: Sunday NFL weather report

Sep 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

(7) runs with the ball during the game against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

We are now at Week 4 and the New York Jets end the first quarter of the season facing off with the Detroit Lions at Met Life Stadium with kickoff set for 1 p.m.

So what will the weather be like? Here’s what the National Weather Service is predicting:

“Sunny, with a high near 83.”

It’s the first weekend of fall and it’s going to be warm… Nice, but it makes everything on an equal playing field for both teams.

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So, how can the Jets win on Sunday? Here’s my keys to the game:

1. Play smarter ball: I know this sounds completely logical and easy but it’s something the Jets haven’t been doing lately and it’s costing them games. And it’s not just Geno Smith. It’s not making stupid mistakes and taking dumb penalties. It’s also about making sure if you are a wide receiver/tight end/running back you come back to the ball and help your quarterback out. Smith can’t do it all by himself and if the play goes bust, those guys need to comeback to the ball and make themselves open.

2. Get rid of the football: This is for Smith — If a play goes up in smoke and nobody’s open, THROW THE FOOTBALL FOUR ROWS INTO THE STANDS!!! You can’t run around to take the sack or throw into trouble. Living to play another down isn’t a bad thing. And to go along with this, get that clock going sooner when you feel the pocket collapse, another way to avoid the sack.

3. Cover the weapons: Matthew Stafford has a treasure trove of weapons at his disposal. No one bigger than Calvin Johnson. I know he’s missed practice the last few days, but until I see him not in uniform; I’m assuming he’ll play. So if he’s in, it’s the biggest assignment for Gang Green’s secondary. Truthfully (and this may sound a bit taboo) these guys should look at the game film from what Darrelle Revis did in 2010. To at least get an idea — yes I know none of the Jets secondary is even close to what Revis was healthy but slowing down Megatron is going to be a huge task for the defense.

4. Let the running backs loose: I know the offensive staff trust Smith as a runner but you have a three-headed monster in Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. If you see (like last week) one of them has the hot hand, LET THEM GO and feed them the rock. Ride that back until the defense figures out away to stop them.

If the Jets do that, they can put themselves in a position where they can win this game but it won’t be easy. And if they do that, they’ll be in good position at the end of the first quarter of the season and halfway through the quarterback’s murders row.