New York Jets vs. San Diego Chargers: Sunday NFL Weather report
By Debbie Schechter
Week 5 is here and it’s time to start the hardest part of the quarterback’s murders row for the New York Jets. They travel out to San Diego for a date with Phillip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.
If you are making the journey to Qualcomm Stadium (lucky you) here’s a look at the weather report:
“Sunny, with a high near 86.”
Yet again, this won’t have a factor on the game.
Remember, the Jets have had success out in San Diego under Rex Ryan. They are 2-1 against the Chargers including the improbable playoff win in 2009. And even not under Ryan, let’s not forget the 2004 playoffs. So the Jets can get this done, here’s my keys to doing it:
1. The defense needs to force turnovers: I don’t think it needs to be explained. The Jets are playing complementary football. When they see the offense struggling, the defense needs to pick up the slack and the last few weeks, that hasn’t happened. If you are going to be a big time defense, make a play. And it’s not just the secondary. That “vaunted” front seven needs to get with the program too.
2. Run, run, run: One of the reason’s the Jets have been successful out in San Diego is the run game. Curtis Martin, Thomas Jones… what’s the common denominator? You fed them the rock until the defense figure out how to stop them; which was not. Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell are all really good backs and I get the idea of getting them all in the game BUT if you see one of them having more success then the others KEEP FEEDING THAT BACK THE BALL. To help your young quarterback, you get a good running game going. Ask Mark Sanchez how helpful it was his first two years.
3. Play smart Geno: There’s no two ways about it. Geno Smith needs to play better. This is a quarterback’s league. He has to be smarter with his decisions and protect the football better. As well as develop a tougher skin… and fast.
4. Better play from the wide receivers/tight ends: To go with number 3, Jeremy Kerley is your best threat on third down, he needs to get open and you need to get him more involved in the offense. But overall, all of them (and the running backs are guilty too) need to help out their QB when a play goes awry.
If you’re the New York Jets, you need this win and in the worst way to right the ship. Follow the keys and the Jets will win the game.