The New York Jets need more than another encouraging offensive performance. Sunday's 38-33 loss to theLas Vegas Raiders showed that this team can move the football and lose anyway.
But it also exposed how difficult it remains for New York to put together a complete game. At 2-6, the margin for error is shrinking. The challenge gets tougher in Week 9 with a trip to Kansas City to face a Chiefs team looking to end a two-game losing streak.
Kansas City is 5-2 and coming off a frustrating 28-24 divisional loss to the Denver Broncos. That gives both teams something to prove. The Jets and Chiefs have met 41 times, including two postseason contests.
Kansas City holds a 21-19-1 advantage and has won four of the past five meetings. Travis Kelce could also
reach a personal milestone, with the tight end approaching his 200th regular-season appearance. He leads Kansas City with 29 receptions for 410 yards and two touchdowns.
With that, here are Jets Wire's five to watch in what will be an important game for both sides.
Can Aaron Glenn rediscover his defensive identity?
The Jets surrendered 38 points to Las Vegas, making this a difficult assignment for head coach Aaron Glenn. Kansas City head coachAndy Reid remains one of the league's most respected offensive minds and will challenge New York's defense with a variety of formations and personnel.
Glenn needs to find a way to disrupt quarterback Patrick Mahomes without giving Kansas City easy opportunities. He must find a way to disrupt the timing of the passing game without allowing the Chiefs to dictate the matchup through their running attack.
Will the Chiefs deliver a more polished performance?
Kansas City has plenty of offensive firepower, and the Jets can't afford to mistake recent struggles for a sign that the Chiefs are vulnerable. New York needs to force Mahomes into uncomfortable situations, eliminate coverage breakdowns, and make the Kansas City offense work for its points.
Anything less could turn into a long afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium. New York needs to make Kansas City earn everything rather than helping it regain confidence.
Which team will be more efficient in the red zone?
The Jets converted just two of six red-zone opportunities against the Raiders. Kansas City also had a costly failure near the goal line against Denver, getting stopped on fourth-and-goal in the closing minute. Neither offense can afford to waste scoring opportunities in a matchup that could come down to a handful of possessions.
Can the Jets contain Kansas City's two-headed backfield?
Kenneth Walker has 770 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 141 carries, adding 22 receptions for 131 yards and two scores. Emmett Johnson gives Kansas City another weapon after turning five receptions into 128 yards and a touchdown against Denver, including a 73-yard score. New York must account for both players.
Can Geno Smith outduel Patrick Mahomes?
Jets quarterback Geno Smith has completed 165 of 239 passes for 1,913 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions, with a 104.5 passer rating. Mahomes has 1,795 yards and 12 touchdowns, but four interceptions and a 99.7 rating. Mahomes has the edge as a runner, with 77 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
Smith's passing efficiency gives New York a chance, but the quarterback will need to deliver another strong performance against a more imposing opponent. If this turns into a shootout, the Jets need him to make enough plays to keep them in it.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets at Chiefs: 5 things to watch for during Week 9 game
