The New York Jetsdon't have much room for error as they enter Week 9. At 2-6, another defeat would extend a frustrating stretch and make a return to relevance nearly impossible. The challenge is substantial. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have built a track record of making opponents pay for even the smallest mistakes.
The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 9 at 5-2, but consecutive losses have shown some vulnerability. That doesn't mean they are suddenly an easy opponent, especially at Arrowhead Stadium. The Jets will need to play with discipline, maintain control of the game's tempo, and take advantage of their opportunities.
New York has shown flashes of being competitive, but turning those moments into a complete performance is another matter. These
four things will be especially important to ensure a victory on Sunday.
Jets must shorten the game by lengthening possessions
The Jets won the time-of-possession battle against the Las Vegas Raiders, but barely. New York held the ball for 30:02 compared with 29:58 for the Raiders. Las Vegas also had three scoring drives that lasted at least five minutes, while the Jets had only two. That won't be good enough against Mahomes.
One of the best ways to challenge Reid's offense is to keep it on the sideline. Longer possessions would give Glenn's defense more time to recover while putting additional pressure on the Kansas City defense to stay on the field.
Don't give up the big play on special teams
Dylan Laube's second-quarter kickoff return for a touchdown changed the complexion of Sunday's game. Without that breakdown, the Jets could have carried a much larger advantage into halftime.
There's no way to know how the rest of the game would have unfolded, but surrendering seven points without the defense having an opportunity to make a stop is difficult to overcome, maybe. One can never tell. Maybe
New York has allowed too many momentum-changing special teams plays. Against Mahomes on the road, giving away a touchdown is a luxury the Jets simply cannot afford.
Keep the game close enough to avoid becoming one-dimensional
The Jets cannot afford to abandon the running game if the offense doesn't find immediate success. That becomes particularly important against a Kansas City defense allowing just 96.3 rushing yards per game, with only seven other teams surrendering fewer entering Week 9.
Staying competitive on the scoreboard will allow New York to remain patient and maintain some balance. Falling behind by multiple scores would make that considerably harder, putting too much responsibility on Smith and the passing game.
Build on offensive momentum and score touchdowns in the red zone
Geno Smith and Braelon Allen need to carry their Week 8 production into this matchup. Allen is coming off a 147-yard performance, a big boost for an offense that finally showed some explosiveness.
However, moving the ball between the 20-yard lines won't be enough. The Jets enter Week 9 ranked last in the NFL in red-zone touchdown percentage at 42.3%, and they converted just two of six opportunities against Las Vegas. Field goals won't consistently keep pace with Kansas City. New York needs touchdowns.
Kansas City is built to punish opponents who let the game get away from them. The Jets need to make this a game of patience and execution rather than one dictated by Mahomes and the Chiefs' offensive firepower. New York has spent too many Sundays watching opportunities slip away. This time, it must make the most of every chance before the final minutes arrive.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 4 keys to a Jets win vs. the Chiefs in Week 9
