New York Jets: Three keys to victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars

Stop Leonard Fournette and the Ground Game

While the Jets need to establish the ground game, they also need to stop it on the other side. Led by rookie Leonard Fournette, the Jaguars are fifth in the league in rushing, averaging 140 yards per game. Fournette has led the charge with 199 yards and 3.5 yards per carry. Corey Grant has added 88 yards on just seven carries, and Chris Ivory has contributed 76 yards on 21 carries for a 3.6 yards per carry average.

Now, the Jets have shown that it can be done. Last week they were able to hold Jay Ajayi to a mere 16 yards on 11 carries. It was a solid turn of events after the Jets were sliced and diced in the running game over the first two weeks. LeSean McCoy posted 110 yards in week one and the Raiders netted 180 yards as a team in week two. New York figured it out last week and was able to prove that the defense could stop the run and play up to their potential.

It sounds simple and basic. It really is. Find the guy with the ball and tackle him. The problem over the first two weeks was that the Jets front seven didn’t stay in their assignments. They have to stay in their gaps and not over-pursue. When the front seven gets taken out of their spots, the big gains take place. Last week, the Jets stayed under control and they made tackles. There are all types of strategies that we see used during a game, but the most important one is to tackle. Make the play. The Jets can do it.