GET PRESSURE ON STAFFORD
The Rams have allowed 28 sacks in 14 games, which is among the lowest in the NFL. With a passing game as precise as the Rams’, the Jets’ defensive line and linebackers will need to pressure quarterback Matthew Stafford consistently.
During the Rams’ three-game winning streak, Stafford has passed for 663 yards and four touchdowns and has been sacked just twice. The Jets are tied for ninth in sacks (39), but they’ve recorded just two in their last two games, both of them during last weekend’s victory against the Jaguars.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will be a game-time decision because of a hamstring injury he suffered against Jacksonville. If Williams does not play, that obviously would be a significant loss for the Jets’ defensive line.
ESTABLISH RUSHING ATTACK
The Rams’ defense allows 135.4 rushing yards per game, which is 28th in the league. Because of this, the Jets must finally get the ground game going, which has been a struggle all season long.
Gang Green is shockingly 31st in rushing (89.7 yards per game). Much of that stems from the Jets being down in many of their games this season. However, the Jets’ run blocking has been inconsistent, and they haven’t gotten the push they need to free Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, or Isaiah Davis.
Establishing the rushing attack is vital, as the temperatures at MetLife Stadium are expected to be in the 20s and the wind will gust up to 27 miles per hour.
LIMIT MISTAKES
Eliminating mistakes is important in any game, but it is especially important in a game where weather and wind could be a significant factor.
The last time the Jets played a West Coast team at home, the Seahawks returned home with a 26-21 victory. The Jets had two costly turnovers in Seahawks territory, including a Leonard Williams pick-6 on a pass from Aaron Rodgers.