Ravens vs Jets: Top 5 takeaways from Week 7 matchup

The Week 7 matchup of Ravens vs Jets had the intriguing storyline of Geno Smith returning to the starting lineup.  However, that was short-lived due to an early injury.

Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) on the sideline during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. The New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Ravens 24-16.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

In relief, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick made his return to Gang Green during the Ravens vs Jets game due to Geno Smith suffering a knee injury.  In addition, he finished the game turnover-free.

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The Jets came home and sent Baltimore packing with a 24-16 victory.  The Jets snapped a four-game losing streak with the win, and there are many good things they can take away from this game.

Let’s examine the top five takeaways from this game that the Jets can take heading into Week 8.

Next: 5. Pressure on quarterback Joe Flacco

5. Pressure on Joe Flacco

The Jets only recorded one sack on the day, and it was Sheldon Richardson who got it.  However, they were harassing quarterback Joe Flacco all day.

Flacco was flustered throughout the game.  He had his third multiple interception game of the season.

The Ravens offensive line was in shambles, and the Jets defensive line took advantage.  Even Jets nose tackle Steve McLendon disrupted running plays by pushing the center into Flacco.

One of those times it resulted in Flacco going down.  The pressure even led to Flacco’s third sub-60% passing game of the season.

Next: 4. Turnovers

Aug 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive back Buster Skrine (41) looks on the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

4. Turnovers

Finally, the Jets forced some turnovers, and they did it on both sides of the football!  Buster Skrine and Marcus Gilchrist doubled the Jets interception total by having one interception each.

The offense even got into the act.  After fumbling it themselves in the red zone, they showed some resilience and got the ball back as Timmy Jernigan tried to run it back.

Coming into the game, the Jets were a league-worst -12 in turnover ratio.  However, they won the turnover battle against Baltimore.

It was the second consecutive week the Jets did that, and they came away with a win this time.  It could be a sign of things to come with the combination of pressure and turnovers.

Next: 3. Yards after catch

Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) catches the ball during pre game against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

3. Yards after catch

The Jets were able to move the football on offense for many reasons.  One key reason was yards after the catch.

The scoring began with a Quincy Enunwa touchdown on a huge catch and run.  In addition, the Jets got a touchdown and a big chunk play on two screen passes to Matt Forte.

The initial score was set up by Smith’s ability to push the football down the field.  Enunwa found a hole in the zone, Smith got the ball to him quickly and Enunwa did the rest by turning on the jets.

Smith’s cannon on his right shoulder allowed for the play to develop the way it did.  So, it was a team effort.

Next: 2. No turnovers by their quarterbacks

2. No turnovers by their quarterbacks

For the third time this season, there was zero turnovers from the quarterback position.  Smith and Fitzpatrick combined for 22 attempts and had zero interceptions.

The Jets took some chances with Smith in the game, and the receivers let him down with two drops on his eight attempts.  However, with Fitzpatrick in the game, the passing game was limited to high percentage throws.

The gameplan was definitely conservative and a little watered down for Fitzpatrick, and rightfully so.  The Jets went into halftime trailing by two, and the Jets didn’t want a back-breaking interception to cost them the game.

With that said, you can’t ignore the fact that Fitzpatrick didn’t throw any interceptions.  His role was game-manager, and he executed it well.

Next: 1. Establishing the run

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) carries the ball during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

1. Establishing the run

The Jets were finally able to get their ground game going.  They stuck to their gameplan to the tune of 39 carries.

They were patient and allowed the game to develop.  Eventually, the team would break through.

Forte had his first rushing touchdown since Week 2, and they even utilized the speed of Robby Anderson for a big run.

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The ground game helped the Jets keep the Ravens offense off the field, and it kept their defense fresh.  Thus, they were able to keep the pressure on Flacco all day.