Jets vs Texans: 10 burning questions

Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52), New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) and New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) stand during the national anthem at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 11 of the NFL we have the Jets vs Texans game in a under the radar match-up.

The New York Jets (5-4) have lost 3 out of their last 4, but still remain very much alive in the AFC wildcard race as we head into Week 11 of the NFL season. While the Houston Texans (4-5) somehow shocked the world on Monday Night Football by beating the previously undefeated Cincinnati Bengals.

With so much on the line, what are the pivotal questions heading into this intriguing AFC match-up? We will discuss and see if the Jets can bounce back or will they continue their colossal fall. And can the Texans seize the moment and take an AFC South division that is there for the taking?

All that and more as we break down the top 10 burning questions in the Jets vs Texans game:

Next: 10. Can the real Brian Hoyer please stand up?

Nov 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) in the huddle during the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

10. Can the real Brian Hoyer please stand up?

In the Texans surprising win over the Bengals on Monday Night Football, their incumbent starting quarterback Brian Hoyer went down with a concussion and T.J. Yates had to come in and save the day for the Texans once again. After the Texans implosion at the quarterback position (Ryan Mallett missed one too many flights that ironically shipped him out of town) left the Texans with Hoyer who has performed quite well under the radar.

Brian Hoyer 2015 stats: 59% completion percentage, 1,704 yards through the air, 13 touchdown passes to just 4 interceptions, with a 92+ quarterback rating

He’s been sneaky good since he’s officially taken the job from Mallett and now with his status up in the air the Jets’ defense have to be licking their chops. But the Jets can’t be too hasty, this is the same guy who stepped in on Monday night to beat the Bengals. So the Jets will have to remain poised and they can”t afford to underestimate anyone, especially Yates. But with the Texans facing a short week and Hoyer battling a concussion, I would lean towards Hoyer not being able to suit up for Sunday’s contest.

Yates stats throughout his career are marginal at best: 60% completion percentage, 1,200+ yards with 4 touchdowns and 7 picks. His lone shining moment in his career thus far is leading the Texans to their lone playoff win in franchise history by ironically enough beating the Bengals in the NFL Playoffs a couple years ago. He’s had some experience bouncing between the Texans and the Atlanta Falcons as Houston will have no choice but to rely on him if Hoyer is unable to go.

Next: 9. Where is JJ Watt?

Nov 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) salutes the crowd after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Houston won 20-6. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

9. Where is JJ Watt?

People may not be talking about Watt everyday on Sports Center, but that isn’t because of his poor play. It’s simply because the 4-5 Texans aren’t winning the way they were. Watt is actually ahead of schedule in terms of his sack production so far this season as opposed to last season.

JJ Watt 2014 Stats through 9 games: 39 combined tackles, 13 assisted tackles, and 8.5 sacks

JJ Watt 2015 Stats through 9 games: 42 combined tackles, 8 assisted tackles, and 9.5 sacks

Sure it’s marginal, but Watt ended up with 20.5 sacks just a hair short of a certain NFL season record for sacks. Watt plagued the Jets the last time these teams met and it was in prime time on Monday Night Football. JJ ‘Swat’ as he was called routinely batting down balls that resulted in incompletions, interceptions and headaches for the Jets’ offense all night long in a loss to the Texans.

Who is going to block this guy? Is it even humanely possible? Well I can’t answer any of those questions, but I hope head coach Todd Bowles can because it could result in a win or a loss for the Jets. The Jets have to know where this guy is pre-snap or he could disrupt not only a play, but an entire drive.

He has been a beast since coming out of Wisconsin and has won multiple awards in the NFL for his prowess for getting after the quarterback. The Jets stingy offensive line has quite the test in front of them on Sunday, especially with a familiar foe in Vince Wilfork that this Jets team knows all too well.

Next: 8. Who is starting at quarterback for the Jets?

Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) hikes the ball to New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) in the 2nd half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. The Bills defeated the Jets 22-17 Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

8. Who is going to start at quarterback?

You would think this is a typical question that is asked almost weekly for Jets fans, all jokes aside, game play isn’t the reason for asking this question. The Jets incumbent starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick underwent thumb surgery the day after the Jets played Thursday Night Football. Bowles provided a health update at his weekly press conference provided by the Media Relations Department of the Jets:

On if he expects Fitzpatrick to play Sunday…

I’m hopeful, yes.

On what type of progression he needs to see from Fitzpatrick…

His pain progression. We’ll see if can take the snaps under center and see how he feels on Wednesday. After the medication wears off and everything, we’ll go from there.

On if there were any complications with Fitzpatrick’s surgery…

No, everything went fine.

On if there will be any contingency plans at quarterback in case Fitzpatrick cannot play…

No, Geno (Smith) is our backup quarterback. He’ll take the reps and Bryce (Petty) will take some reps.  So, if he can’t play, the next man will be up.

It is still expected at this point that Fitzpatrick will be ready, but in the case he’s not the Jets will have to rely upon Geno Smith. Smith saw his first action of the season on the road a few weeks ago against the Oakland Raiders. Fitzpatrick got injured and Smith took over and really from a statistical standpoint he didn’t look bad: 265 yards through the air, 2 touchdowns and an interception, a 64% completion percentage and a 87+ quarterback rating.

In some respects it is almost divine right that Fitzpatrick got hurt so the Smith-lovers couldn’t have anything to say. The Texans have an inconsistent defense, at times they’ve stepped up and looked every bit the part that Hard Knocks revealed late this summer and at other times have looked like nothing better then a pop warner team. Regardless this is an important question and one that’ll be answered by the end of the week.

Next: 7. Will the Jets running game continue this momentum?

Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs with the ball during the 1st quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

7. Will the Jets running game continue this momentum?

The Jets’ running game finally came back to life against the Buffalo Bills in which we saw Chris Ivory return to form, but can they continue this momentum? It’s more then just a question for this game, it’s an important question for the Jets playoff chances this season, they need a running game when the weather gets colder.

I think an underrated weapon for the Jets is going to be Stevan Ridley especially with the Zac Stacy injury. If they can get this 2-headed monster going it’s going to be tough for teams to stop. But right now Ridley is unproven and hasn’t done anything, but he certainly has the potential.

The Texans rank in the bottom half of the league in stopping the run game and all season they have had trouble stopping opposing rushers. Giving up big numbers to the likes of: Terron Ward (70+ yards rushing), Lamar Miller (175 yards rushing) and Cam Newton (70+ yards rushing).

So for the Jets the opportunities are going to be there and it’s up to the Jets to take advantage of the mismatch. Also, it was a unique opportunity for the Jets and their coaching staff to watch film this week live on Monday Night Football. But I’m sure they didn’t love what they saw as the Texans showed some stingy defense, but a mediocre offensive performance.

Next: 6. Can Muhammad Wilkerson continue to dominate?

Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) lines up against Buffalo Bills tight end Matthew Mulligan (82) in the 1st quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

6. Can Muhammad Wilkerson continue to dominate?

The offseason for the Jets was marred by Wilkerson contract extension talks and the trade speculation began as soon as the Jets punched their draft ticket in for versatile defensive linemen Leonard Willliams out of USC. Wilkerson’s camp threatened to hold-out, similar to a Darrelle Revis saga the Jets brass are all too familiar with.

But Wilkerson opted against the hold out strategy and just went to work and that is exactly what he has done this season for the Jets.

.@mowilkerson: 7.0 sacks this season, T-4th in the @NFL entering today 3 players, 3 plays- https://t.co/2CmH4NFCpC pic.twitter.com/6TQTnCrXvm

— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 15, 2015

He’s on pace for his best statistical season of his career and boy, he couldn’t have picked a better time to be having this kind of season for the Jets. With Richardson dealing with his legal issues and Williams simply being a rookie, the Jets have to make sure they pay this guy when everything is said and done at the end of the season. Against the Texans, we’ll truly see who is the better defensive linemen: Watt or Wilkerson.

Next: Who is the better receiver, Hopkins or Marshall?

Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) scores a touchdown in front of Buffalo Bills linebacker Tony Steward (50) during the 2nd half at MetLife Stadium.The Bills defeated the Jets 22-17 Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

5. Better receiver right now: DeAndre Hopkins or Brandon Marshall?

Even as a Jets fan I can’t let my bias take over here, Hopkins is on a different level this year and it doesn’t matter who is throwing the football to him. The Clemson product has been making highlight reel catches all season long and with Andre Johnson out the door and Hard Knocks providing the spotlight, Hopkins has gotten some credit.

Deservedly so, he’s been blowing up the stat sheet this season, he already has hauled in 71 catches for nearly 1,000 yards and 7 scores. Did you see him on Monday night with this ridiculous catch to win the game? (video below)

DeAndre Hopkins’ INCREDIBLE One-Handed TD Catch! | Texans vs. Bengals | NFL

It’s going to be another tasty match-up this week as Revis is tested again against a young up and coming receiver who appears headed for stardom if he’s not there already. Regardless of whose been throwing him the ball this year, he has produced on a consistent basis as it’s quite remarkable. Even if Yates is at quarterback, I’d imagine the game plan is going to include a lot of targets Hopkins way so the Jets’ defense better prepare for a clinic.

Apparently all Hopkins needed was Andre Johnson to book it out of the town so he could get out of his shadow and show Houston that they already have his replacement. What I fear is if the Jets don’t put Revis on Hopkins the whole game, because it appears that Antonio Cromartie could make his return this week and he’s shown a propensity for giving up the big play and Cromartie on Hopkins I foresee a bunch of problems.

So as long as the Jets avoid that I think they should be fine, just contain Hopkins ,that’s all I ask.

Next: 4. Is this a must-win game for both teams?

Nov 16, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Houston Texans fans react after a NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Is this a must-win game for both teams?

For the Texans they now sit at 4-5 after a shocking upset of the Bengals and currently are tied for 1st place in the lowly AFC South. So for the Texans it has to be considered must win especially down the stretch with the Indianapolis Colts having to rely upon Matt Hasselbeck for quite possibly the rest of the regular season. It’s as open as it’s ever been and both teams have some tough games down the stretch so nearly every game is must win for both teams. And even the Jaguars (one game out) and the Titans (2 games out) are still in the mix.

For the Jets I don’t know how this couldn’t be a must win, especially the way it’s looking in the AFC wildcard race. The Jets have to win this game against a very beatable opponent in Houston, with their now 3rd string quarterback reportedly being at the helm. At 5-4 the Jets have minimal room for error and they themselves have several tough games down the stretch, they can’t afford to lose this game. The Jets could very well be facing a win and get in scenario in Week 17 against Buffalo, wouldn’t that be poetic justice as these NFL schedule makers sure know what they’re doing.

There are so many question marks for this game specifically related to injuries for both ball-clubs: both starting quarterbacks are injured or healing, both teams have been ravaged by the injury bug (Arian Foster, Stacy, Willie Colon etc.). But injuries happen in the NFL and it’s a long season as it’s not about getting knocked down it’s about how you respond to adversity and clearly both teams have had their fair share 11 weeks into the regular season.

This will be the Jets 5th road game of the season and they’ve won 2 road games and they’ve lost 2 road games so this is the tie-breaking contest. For the Texans. they’ve done an admiral job at home posting a similar record from NRG Stadium with 2 wins and 2 losses. This game is important for both teams and wins and losses in November separate the contenders from the pretenders, the cream rises to the top.

Will it be the Texans or the Jets that seize the day? It could truly go either way.

Next: 3. Who is the X-factor for the Jets?

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks to pass while New York Jets linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) rushes him during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Browns 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

3. Who is the X-factor for the Jets?

The X-factor that no one is talking about or has been talking about is the development of Lorenzo Mauldin. Mauldin single-handedly holds the keys to the Jets future on defense and let me tell you why. As much as I love Quinton Coples on paper, he has yet to break through as many analysts, pundits and fans have predicted for the versatile defensive linemen out of North Carolina. I predicted for years that this guy was going to be the double-digit sack guy the Jets defense has been craving for years, but it never happened.

It certainly hasn’t happened so far halfway through the 2015 season in which Coples has seen his playing time slowly but surely diminish. Reportedly it’s due to game-plan, but to me if you’re good enough you’ll find ways to get on the field as it just seems to be another excuse for his poor play. In Mauldin’s limited action on the field he has already notched 2 sacks and I can see him continuing that production with proper playing time with the Jets.

He is the heir to the throne so to speak in waiting with Calvin Pace holding down the fort and he could be ready to break out. The Jets didn’t draft Mauldin because of his story (which revolves around the fact that Mauldin grew up in an array of orphanages). They drafted him because they saw potential from the Louisville product and he is the Jets only pure edge rusher they have on the roster. He is the X-factor for the Jets in this game that no one is talking about and he could be the X-factor for years to come at the outside linebacker position.

Mauldin is only going to get better with age and experience and that will come with playing time and continuing to understand his role in a complicated pressure based defense. The transitional stage from 3-4 to 4-3, defensive end to stand-up rusher is a complicated transition that so many have failed to make. Even the hybrid players in college like Mauldin have a tough time making this transition as some players take years to finally ‘get it’. Jerry Hughes with the Bills anybody? And some figure it out quickly and Mauldin is one of those guys.

Next: 2. Who is the X-factor for the Texans?

Nov 16, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) as Texans strong safety Quintin Demps (27) watches during a NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Who is the X-factor for the Texans?

No one is talking about the grizzly veteran who is getting it done quietly for this Texans squad, of course I’m talking about Johnathan Joseph. If the NFL and it’s fans have forgotten about the former Bengal, he certainly reminded everyone that he still has gas in the tank on Monday Night Football with a spectacular performance against AJ Green that resulted in an interception and knocking off one of the best teams in the NFL. Joseph’s next test? Brandon Marshall.

All 6 foot 4 of him, all 230 pounds of him and that crazy wingspan that has made a variety of big-time plays for the Jets all season long will be put to the test. Marshall may not be at 100% health at this point in the season, but who is? He’s dominated in the red zone all season long and has been the #1 weapon on offense the Jets have been desperate for. He may not have Hopkins numbers, but they’re respectable enough. 57 catches for north of 750 yards and 6 scores as he’ll be looking to add to that on Sunday when the Jets play the Texans.

Joseph will more likely than not be assigned to following Marshall for the majority of the game and it appears to be a tough task. I’m sure head coach Bill O’Brien won’t put Joseph in any unfavorable positions if he can help it, this isn’t Revis Island we’re talking about but he’s more then held his own this season in one-on-one match-ups. Teams all season have been using unorthodox methods to take Marshall out of the game which has opened the door for Decker to make plays as the second option.

The big names everyone will be discussing is Watt and Marshall, but Joseph may hold the keys to a Texans victory on Sunday no matter who is starting at quarterback for the Jets. To be honest, you don’t have to be that good of a passer to get Marshall involved, he’s been making circus catches all-season long. If he’s one-on-one, I like my chances in a throw it up situation and I’m sure that’ll mirror the Jets game-plan on Sunday.

Next: 1. Who wins and why?

Nov 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) celebrates his touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. Who wins and why?

You may think since this is a Jets site, of course this guy thinks the Jets are going to win, but I try to keep my bias out of it when analyzing the game. With that being said, I think this is going to be a close game with the Jets coming out on top, something like 24-17 or 24-20. There’s always the Texans implosion possibility in which the Jets could have a coming out party. The Texans have been susceptible several times this season.

In losses to the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Colts the Texans have allowed a combined 119 points with the Falcons and Dolphins absolutely running away with their respective games. The constant in those losses? The Texans have allowed teams to run all over them and for the Jets that is the way to win this game with a heavy dose of Ivory and company to control the tempo of the game.

I anticipate the Jets’ defense is going to overwhelm Yates with looks he has never seen before and it’ll force him into a few mistakes with an opportunity-based defense looking to take the ball away and provide the Jets’ offense with short fields to work with. While the Jets’ running game should slow the Texans pass rush led by Watt and crew, it will allow the Jets to attack whatever way they see fit on the offensive side of the ball.

Next: Top 5 fantasy football wide receivers for Week 11

I must say this and I feel like I’ve said this in every loss as I hope this breaks the trend, the Jets shouldn’t underestimate this Texans team. I hope that the Texans beating the Bengals made sure that the Jets wouldn’t overlook this team. And at 5-4 the Jets aren’t destined for a first round bye anytime soon since they’re really in no position to underestimate anyone. They must take it one game at a time and must show some urgency in this game.

Bowles said the Jets aren’t looking at the playoffs right now as he’s right. They must take care of things on a weekly basis before thinking so far ahead.