The New York Jetshead to Ford Field this weekend looking to secure their second victory of the season andcontinue building momentum under Aaron Glenn. The challenge obviously won't be easy. The Detroit Lions remain one of the NFC's most talented teams, and playing indoors should create favorable conditions for both offenses.
Through two weeks, the Jets have shown enough to demonstrate they can compete with anyone on their schedule. The defense has emerged as one of the NFL's best units statistically, while the offense has moved the ball well enough to suggest better days could be ahead. The problem has been consistency, particularly when it comes to turning productive drives into touchdowns. If New York hopes to return home with a victory, these
four areas could determine the outcome.
Finish drives and capitalize on opportunities
The biggest obstacle facing the Jets isn't moving the football. It's finishing. New York enters Week 3 ranked near the middle of the league in total offense and has shown the ability to generate yardage through both the passing and running games.
Unfortunately, the Jets rank significantly lower in points scored because too many promising possessions have ended without touchdowns. That has to change against Detroit.
Whether it's Geno Smith making quicker decisions, improved execution in the red zone, or avoiding drive-killing penalties, the Jets must turn opportunities into seven points instead of three. Road victories are difficult enough to earn without leaving points on the field.
Win the matchup through the air
The Lions have shown vulnerabilities in the secondary through the first two weeks of the season, creating an opportunity for Smith and the Jets' receivers. Garrett Wilson and the rest of New York's pass catchers don't need career performances, but they do need to consistently win one-on-one matchups and generate explosive plays.
The Jets have flashed that ability at times this season. Now they need to do it against a quality opponent. If Smith can establish an early rhythm and force Detroit to respect the passing game, it should create additional opportunities for the rushing attack as well.
Let DeMario Davis control the middle
Few players are more important to the Jets' defensive success than DeMario Davis. The veteran linebacker has once again proven to be one of the defense's most reliable playmakers, leading the team in tackles while providing leadership and stability in the middle of the field.
Detroit's offense thrives when it can stay balanced and force defenders into difficult decisions. Davis will be asked to help stop the run, contribute in coverage, and ensure the Lions don't consistently move the chains between the numbers. If he has one of his typical productive afternoons, the Jets' defense becomes much more difficult to attack.
Continue making life uncomfortable for Detroit's offense
The Jets enter Week 3 with the NFL's top-ranked defense in terms of yards allowed. Now comes perhaps their toughest test. David Bailey has already emerged as a disruptive force off the edge, while the rest of Glenn's defense has excelled at limiting explosive plays and creating negative ones. Against Detroit, that formula cannot change.
The Jets don't necessarily need multiple turnovers to win, but they do need pressure. Forcing hurried throws, creating long-yardage situations, and occasionally giving the offense a short field could ultimately decide the game. If Glenn's unit continues playing at the level it has through two weeks, New York will have every opportunity to leave Ford Field with a victory.
The margin for error is slim on the road against a talented opponent. Still, the blueprint is relatively straightforward. The Jets need to finish drives, take advantage of favorable matchups in the passing game, rely on their veteran leadership in the middle of the defense, and continue playing the aggressive brand of football that has fueled their defensive success. If they can do those things, they'll give themselves an excellent chance to improve to 2-1.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 4 keys to a Jets win against the Lions in Week 3
