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New York Jets: Keys To Winning vs. Indianapolis Colts

By Nathan McKenna

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The New York Jets, after a decisive win over the Cleveland Browns, now hit a rough spot in their schedule. Looking at the first part of their schedule, I would have guessed the Jets would have gone 1-3 or 2-2. However, their schedule may not be as daunting as originally thought. Despite massive improvements in the offseason the Indianapolis Colts underwhelmed in Week 1.

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Yes, it was only Week 1, so not much can be read into it, but they came out flat and were never able to get back in the game against the Buffalo Bills. The game is still no cakewalk obvisiouly, as the Colts are now 0-1 and playing at home and probably pretty angry about what happened last Sunday. This puts the Jets in a tough position, but still more winnable than originally thought. There are a few keys to winning this game, that if the Jets can do, they could be heading to a 2-0 start.

The first key to the game will be out of the New York Jets hands. If T.Y. Hilton is out, this will eliminate the main big play threat the Colts have. With Hilton out, that will allow Darrelle Revis to focus on Andre Johnson; meaning, with their best weapon out, the Jets will have their best defender against the Colts second wideout option. That should leave the New York Jets with a big advantage going into the game, as their secondary will have the upper hand against the Colts wide receiving core.

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The second key to the game will be defending the dueling tight ends the Colts have. Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen can cause match up problems in the secondary. Fleener was only targeted once in Sunday’s loss to Buffalo, but he could breakout if not taken seriously by the coaches or the players. If the receivers are locked down, the Jets can’t get complacent with the tight ends. The last few seasons the Jets have given up big plays down the middle, they cannot do that on Monday and expect a W.

Despite the overall on-paper advantage the Jets would seem to have with their defense, if TY is out, Andrew Luck is still Andrew Luck. Luck is one of the best quarterbacks in the game and will be looking to get his team its first win of the year after a dismal performance last week. The third key to this game is to pressure Luck and pressure him often.

If the secondary can do what they SHOULD be able to do against this Colts receiving core, then Todd Bowles and the New York Jets can blitz and blitz often. If they can cause Luck to be off his game, on top of the coverage the Jets can apply, the passing attack may be almost nonexistent.

Finally and most importantly, the fourth key of the game is to take care of the football. I know, I know, this has pretty much been a Jets’ Arm-Chair Coach/GM/Fan’s motto for the last seven seasons. “If we just limit turnovers blah blah blah..” Unfortunately this is still true. If Ryan Fitzpatrick can come out and have a game like his second half against Cleveland, it will be difficult to be blown out in this game. Taking care of the ball will be crucial for the Jets to win this game.

Fitz can keep the Jets close, and even put some points on the board, but it will be up to the defense to stop Andrew Luck. With the Colts not-so-great run D, Chris Ivory should have a field day again in Week 2. Establishing the run will allow Fitzpatrick to protect the ball and still make some throws down the field. If week 1 Fitzpatrick shows up for week 2, the New York Jets have a snowball’s chance in a game previously penciled in as a loss by many.

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