Los Angeles Chargers vs. New York Jets: 3 keys to victory with Ryan Patti

The New York Jets are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 action which is the final home game of the season at MetLife Stadium. Here are three keys to victory with Ryan Patti for Gang Green to leave this holiday weekend victorious.

The holiday weekend is upon us as this Christmas Eve, the New York Jets will go up against the Los Angeles Chargers in their final home game of the year at MetLife Stadium. The Chargers have been an inconsistent team but as of late, have found their mojo and are just a game behind the Kansas City Chiefs for first place in the AFC West. The Chargers are 7-7 and eyeing an entry into the NFL Playoffs if they win out.

When it comes to the Jets, on the other hand, they’re a team on the outside looking in. They’re 5-9 and at the bottom of the AFC East who last week got officially eliminated from making the postseason. It’s a tough pill to swallow but despite their record, the Jets will continue fighting and working hard to end their season on a high note as with just five wins, they’ve overachieved in the grand scheme of things.

This week, Ryan Patti joins me as we break down this Week 16 matchup between the Chargers and Jets. Please follow him on Twitter and like his Facebook page to keep up with all his articles on the Jets.

Without further ado, let’s get right into these three keys to victory for the Jets to give the gift of victory in Week 16.

Next: 3. Contain Joey Bosa

3. Contain Joey Bosa

LTJ: Hey Ryan! Well, there is just Sunday’s game and one more on the road against the New England Patriots before this season is in the books. With the Chargers coming to town, clearly, the offensive line of the Jets will have their hands full with defensive end Joey Bosa. What are your thoughts on what the Jets can expect going up against him?

Ryan: Bosa is one of the toughest edge rushers in the league with 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus is in full agreement given his sixth overall ranking and 91.8 grade amongst all edge rushers to earn a snap in 2017. Gang Green has faced a few top pass rushers in Khalil Mack, Justin Houston, and Von Miller. You basically need riot shields to defend this crop of talent.

LTJ: Oh yes, it’s going to more than likely be another tough day at the office. Bosa is on his way to being one of the best defensive ends in the entire NFL but the question is, what do the Jets need to do in order to defend him?

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Ryan: He’s difficult to shut down, but he’s certainly containable. What the Jets can do to hold him in check is double-team him with a tight end. That guy all season has been Eric Tomlinson. The UTEP product is a proven pass blocker, where he ranks 10th (69.9) amongst all tight ends to earn a pass blocking snap, per PFF. He’ll have to be Kelvin Beachum‘s partner in crime on Sunday.

Next: 2. Involve Elijah McGuire

2. Involve Elijah McGuire

LTJ: Ever since the Jets drafted running back Elijah McGuire this year, I’ve been excited about his potential. I know he’s been third-string on the depth chart but man, that game against the Jacksonville Jaguars got me truly excited about his future. How should the Jets incorporate him on Sunday?

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Ryan: With only two weeks left in the campaign and no more Josh McCown under center, it’s time for New York to start exploring what they have in the backfield. They know what they have in Matt Forte as well as Bilal Powell. McGuire needs to get involved more. He can be deployed on both the ground and passing game. The sixth-rounder has 103 touches for 482 yards and two touchdowns on the year. Let’s see more of him as he looks to prove himself in Week 16.

LTJ: I completely agree but am a bit concerned about him this week. McGuire hasn’t participated in any practices this week due to illness. If McGuire doesn’t play on Sunday, can Powell bounce back this week and have more of an impact like he did last week against the New Orleans Saints?

Ryan: Powell is capable of having a big day too. The moral of the story here is that in likelihood we’ll see less of Forte. You can make the case that the Louisville graduate has been underused along with McGuire. Running the ball is the way to go against Los Angeles. Those cornerbacks are gritty and tough to test.

Next: 1. Get after Philip Rivers

1. Get after Philip Rivers

LTJ: Make no mistake about it, give quarterback Philip Rivers enough time and he will drop 400+ passing yards on a secondary like there is no tomorrow. The pass rush of the Jets leaves much to the imagination as they need to bring the pressure if they want to rattle Rivers and keep him off the field. How would you prepare against Rivers if you’re defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers?

Ryan: Getting after Rivers is the biggest key this week. The pass rush has been below average for most of the season, so don’t expect it to improve this weekend. What the Jets have to do is be patient and send the right number of guys. Rivers can float the ball over everyone’s head in Cover 0 and jailhouse blitz scenarios. He sometimes works himself into sacks on four or five-man rushes because of his inability to move around in the pocket. If Gang Green can steer away from being too aggressive and let their men win the one-on-one battles, they should be able to overwhelm Rivers.

LTJ: That is truly the only way to pressure Rivers into making mistakes which can happen but if it does, the offense must be able to punch in some touchdowns since they won’t win a shootout against him. Do you honestly see quarterback Bryce Petty having a better performance this week or will he still struggle as continues to correct his issues against the Chargers?

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Ryan: I can’t see him going back and forth with a future Pro Football Hall of Famer in Rivers. Petty didn’t look as poor as we thought he would in Week 15, although he still wasn’t impressive. It’ll have to be the rushing attack that gets the job done.