New York Jets vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Keys to Victory

By Alan Schechter | Nov 1, 2014

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA. New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan looks on from the sidelinesl during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Tomorrow afternoon, the New York Jets take their 1-7 record to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Andy Reid-led Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are led by their no-mistakes quarterback Alex Smith, and their running back Jamaal Charles. Smith may not be flashy, but he gets the job done. The Chiefs play solid offense and terrific defense. This one is going to be tough for the Jets.

Here are some keys to the Jets pulling off an upset.

Oct 26, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) rushes for a touchdown during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

CONTAIN JAMAAL CHARLES: The Chiefs set out to do a lot of what the Jets do, but they do it better. The Jets are ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing with 140 yards per game, the Chiefs are ranked third with 140.3 yards per game. The man who leads that charge is Jamaal Charles.

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Charles is the type of running back that has given the Jets fits through the years. A career 5.5 yards per carry running back, Charles can get it done on the outside or between the tackles. The Jets are going to have their hands full. He has only carried the ball five times against the Jets, but he rushed for a nine yard per carry clip. The Jets are going have to set the edge, get off blocks, and hold Charles down to a minimal day. Otherwise, it will be another long afternoon.

Oct 26, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) drops back to pass against the St. Louis Rams at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 34-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

RATTLE ALEX SMITH: Jet Press fans, remember all of the time I spent defending Mark Sanchez? Well, had the Jets made the move to get Alex Smith when they were in the market for a veteran quarterback, I would have been first in line to say goodbye to Mark. That’s how much I like Alex Smith and the way he plays. Why? He is not flashy, doesn’t bring the big numbers, but he wins football games.

So, how to the Jets stop this guy? They rattle him. You rattle a quarterback by putting him under constant pressure. On 79 dropbacks under pressure, Smith has completed 45% of his passes, and has a passer rating of 58.2. He can run, with nine rushes for 51 yards under pressure. The Jets have to pressure him, but not let him get outside. If they can do that, the Jets stand a chance.

Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back

Chris Ivory

(33) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

RUN THE FOOTBALL: The one spot of weakness within the Kansas City Chiefs is the run defense. The Chiefs are ranked 18th in the league in rush defense, allowing over 112 yards per game. Chris Ivory is having a good season, rushing at a 4.7 yards per carry clip. The Jets are going to have to get the running game going. It will silence the loud Arrowhead crowd a bit, and open up the passing game.

Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills strong safety

Duke Williams

(27) tackles New York Jets quarterback

Michael Vick

(1) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Bills won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

PROTECT THE FOOTBALL: This is a key for the Jets all of the time, but since they seem to have a problem with this, it’s worth reminding them. Michael Vick officially turned the ball over three times last week, with another fumble that wasn’t lost. Some of it is rust, but he must give his team the chance to win. Protect it with two hands while running with it, and don’t force the ball through the air.

Get the ball to your playmakers, and let them get it done. Get Decker involved, Amaro, Chris Ivory, Percy Harvin, …etc. the football. Don’t play fast and loose, and the Jets will have a chance.

How do you think the Jets can pull it off? Make your suggestions and add your thoughts below.