New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings: Keys to Victory
By Alan Schechter
Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Ben Benwikere (25) forces a fumble on Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Greg Jennings(15) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets take the field tomorrow in Minnesota to begin the final quarter of the 2014 season. Geno Smith, Chris Ivory, Eric Decker, and the rest of our beloved New York Jets take on Teddy Bridgewater, Greg Jennings, and the rest of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Jets have lost their last two, and are basically in disarray as the year winds down. At 2-10, all the Jets have left to play for is pride, and for their head coach that they profess to love. The Vikings come in off of a win over the Panthers, sporting a 5-7 record.
Despite all of the problems, this is a winnable game for the New York Jets. Here are some keys to the game:
Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
As strange as the Jets gameplan was last week against the Miami Dolphins, it did achieve early success. The Jets ran for over 200 yards in the first half. The Vikings can be run on, as they are allowing nearly 124 yards per game, placing them near the bottom of the NFL. I am not saying run EVERY play, Marty Mornhinweg, but the Jets must establish the run on Sunday to have a chance.
Dec 22, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan speaks with inside linebacker
David Harris(52) during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Browns 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets are going to have to make Teddy Bridgewater beat them. The way the Vikings are similar to the Jets is this: the Vikings have a far better run offense than pass offense. They are ranked 13th in rushing, 30th in passing. Granted, there is no guarantee that the Jets can win this way, as we aren’t the best pass defense anymore. But, they have no chance if they allow the Vikings to run on them.
Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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The Jets used the most minimal playbook in recent memory last week against the Dolphins. Literally, they threw the ball on third and long, and it played out with Geno Smith not having any confidence in the pocket. For the Jets to have a chance, Geno Smith needs to get in the rhythm of this football game. Once the Jets establish the run, they MUST get the play-action game going. They have to get Geno going, with some short, high percentage passes. If he doesn’t get in the flow, the Jets won’t win.
What do you guys think are some keys for the Jets finally getting their third win?