Biggest x-factor of Week 3 for Gang Green

We continue our breakdown of the Jets vs Chiefs Week 3 matchup with our biggest x-factor of the game.

There are several different games within the game for this Week 3 matchup. But ultimately this game is going to come down to the offense of the New York Jets remaining potent. This Jets vs Chiefs game has the makings of being an offensive showdown.

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The Jets are tied for sixth in the NFL in scoring with 59 points total in their first two games. They are fourth in total offense at 417 yards per game. So for the Jets, they need to use a similar blueprint to last week’s performance.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick had his best game as a pro and the Jets’ offense was able to move the football at will. No matter what happens in the passing game, the Jets will be using a lot of running back Matt Forte in this game. He already has 52 carries for 196 yards in two games, not including his touches in the receiving game.

Hopefully, the Jets start to employ some of their other running backs on the roster. Head coach Todd Bowles spoke about the touches Forte has gotten thus far, courtesy of the Media Relations Department:

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On if keeping Forte healthy and requires reducing his workload…

I don’t think he’s going to get 30 carries every game. That’s going to be different every game. So somebody else is going to have to step up weekly, be it run the ball or throwing the ball. He just got it this game. The workload I’m sure won’t be the same. There will be more people chipping in.

Don’t get me wrong, the production has been amazing thus far.

The problem is who knows how sustainable it’s going to be for a 30-year-old running back.

One way they can save him for the season, without losing much is by using running back Bilal Powell on offense. So far in comparison, Powell has 8 touches on offense that’s including running and receiving.

Powell can be an effective weapon when utilized. That can start as early as this week because the Chiefs rank in the middle of the league defending the pass. The Chiefs are even worse defending the run, ranking 29th in the league. So the Jets will have opportunities and matchups they can take advantage of.

One thing the Jets won’t have to worry about is defending their quarterback.

The Jets are second best in the league when it comes to protecting their quarterback with only two sacks allowed.

While the Chiefs, on the other hand, have given up the second-most sacks in the league with seven. Again flipping the script, the Jets’ defense is still being carried by their Week 1 performance and rank in the top-5 in sacks.

The Chiefs, out of all teams, have had issues getting after the opposing quarterback. They’ve only managed to accumulate a measly three sacks so far this season.

Linebacker Justin Houston is arguably the Chiefs’ biggest star and his absence has clearly been missed. Houston has dominated when he’s healthy and in the lineup.

Must Read: Jets vs Chiefs: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Prediction

So for the Jets, protect Fitzpatrick, and let the offense go to work against the Chiefs. If everything goes according to plan, Gang Green will be returning home with another win and a home game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.