Five keys to victory for the New York Jets in Week 2

new york jets, michael carter II
New York Jets cornerback Michael Carter II (30) celebrates an interception with cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) in a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, August 28, 2022. Nfl Giants Vs Jets Preseason Game Giants At Jets

Entering Week 2 of the 2022 regular season with an 0-1 record, the New York Jets need to pick up a victory this week.

They have a tough challenge that lies ahead, traveling to Cleveland to play against a 1-0 Browns team.

In what will be a hostile environment, there are a few key areas in particular that the Jets will have to focus on to win. The five points of emphasis will be highlighted below.

Limit Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt:

The first key to victory is an obvious one. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt together form arguably the best running back tandem in the National Football League.

The Browns’ offense runs through these two on the ground. A week ago, the Jets’ run defense held the Baltimore Ravens to just three yards per carry, giving up 63 yards. While this is yet another challenging task, they have to deliver.

Not only do the Browns have a top-tier duo in the backfield but likely the best guard combination in football with Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller.

It will be important for the Jets to stack the box once again and force the Browns to beat them in the air.

Slow down, Myles Garrett:

Defensively, the Browns are anchored by their elite edge defender, Myles Garrett. If the Jets offense wants to improve from what it did a week ago, slowing Garrett down is crucial.

It is well known how the Jets’ pass blocking a week ago struggled mightily. The offensive line has got to be much better in this one competing against one of the best in Garrett.

Expect the Jets to give some help with a running back or tight end to either George Fant or Max Mitchell, depending on the side Garrett lines up on.

The New York Jets need to establish a ground game:

One of the ways the Jets can slow down Garrett is by effectively running the football. Leaning on the Jets’ talented one-two punch in Michael Carter and Breece Hall can not only get the Jets offense going in terms of moving the chains but in slowing down what Garrett can do wrecking a game.

Getting Carter and Hall going should also help ease in Joe Flacco as the Jets’ passing attack looks to execute a whole lot better.

Win third down, turnover, and penalty battles:

All fairly self-explanatory team statistics that will likely play a part in the final outcome for the Jets. They need to limit mistakes and not beat themselves like they did a week ago.

In Week 1, the Jets went 2-14 on third down, not converting until the fourth quarter. They allowed 81 yards in penalties.

Keeping the turnovers at a minimum is a must for the Jets’ offense. From there, add in no special teams miscues in this one in comparison to a week ago.

If the Jets can outgain the Browns on third down in the turnover and penalty battles, they will give themselves a chance to win.

More dominance from the pass rush:

The fifth and final key for the Jets to get their first win. Up front, the defensive line has got to generate more of a pass rush. The Jets have constructed their team for this unit to be a strength and to impact the passer in an impactful way.

A week ago, aside from a few plays, the Jets’ pass rush did not get it done. Once again, they go up against a team hampered by some injuries at offensive tackle to Jack Conklin, who is questionable, and Chris Hubbard is already ruled out.

Pressure must consistently be generated by Quinnen Williams, Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers, and Jermaine Johnson, amongst a few others, especially on third down, for the Jets to win.