New York Jets: Three keys to victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Attack the Pass Defense

This could be a day for Josh McCown that is similar to the one he had against New England (300+ yards).

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been trying to correct their pass defense for two years now, ever since Lovie Smith was fired as head coach. Guess what? They haven’t figured it out yet. Quarterbacks are posting a passer rating of 101.9 and the Bucs are ranked 30th in the NFL against the pass. The Bucs defensive backfield has not been playing well and with Josh McCown’s career-best accuracy, the Jets should be able to take advantage.

The Bucs are also vulnerable to the type of attack that the Jets are proficient with, the short to intermediate game. We are not saying that the Jets are going to be mad bombers in this game, going vertical all day long. However, the Bucs have given up 25 passes that have resulted in 20 yards or more. That plays right into the Jets hands. Work the short game. Hit Austin Seferian-Jenkins down the seam. Give Robby Anderson a couple of shots on the outside and things should work out just fine.

Again, don’t get crazy. If McCown throws the ball 60 times all of Jets Nation will go out of their minds. The three-headed monster on the ground needs to be alive, well and working hard in Tampa Bay. But this Bucs team can be beaten through the air. They aren’t where they want to be yet and the Jets must take advantage.