The New York Jets have prolonged the inevitable with their victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football last week. And while the victory did good to boost the morale of the fanbase, reality could come crashing down this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals.
Have the Jets finally turned a corner? Or will they faceplant when adversity strikes yet again? Learn about the keys for this contest in this Week 10 matchup preview.
New York Jets vs. Arizona Cardinals Football History
The Jets and Cardinals have only played each other 10 times throughout the course of their respective histories, and the pattern is actually quite interesting.
The two first met in 1971, when the Cardinals then played in St. Louis. The Cardinals would win the first two matchups between these teams, before losing six in a row against the Jets. However, Arizona has won the last two matchups, with their last victory occurring during the 2020 season.
New York has an opportunity to continue the trend with a victory tonight. Otherwise, the Cardinals will have a three-game win streak over the Jets.
Key Players for the Jets
On offense, a key player for the Jets in this game is Breece Hall. The Cardinals have trouble stopping the rushing attack of opposing teams. Arizona allows opposing teams to achieve a first down via the ground game at an astounding 27 percent, which is eighth-most in the NFL.
And yet while Arizona has managed to contain most big gains on the ground, this allows Hall to be effective in keeping the chains moving and the offense on the field. On top of that, the Jets should continue utilize their running back in the screen and passing attack. Hall is a matchup nightmare for defenses, and he will be vital in opening up passing lanes, and getting the Jets a victory.
On defense, key players for the Jets will be whoever is responsible for keeping contain on Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray is a magician escaping the pocket, and if the Jets allow him to scramble and make plays with his legs, the Jets will be in a hole quickly. This is easily the most important factor for the Jets to win this game on Sunday.
Key Players for the Cardinals
While we briefly mentioned how Murray could decimate the New York defense, it’s running back James Conner who will be vital for Arizona against the Jets. The veteran running back’s aggressive style bodes well for success against a Jets defense that has been gashed by good running teams all season.
Arizona could effectively run an RPO-based offense at will against the Jets, and will likely never face a third-and-long situation if they implement it. The Cardinals will force New York to prove they can stop the run, and finish tackles. Because of that, Conner will be a key cog in this matchup.
On defense, the Cardinals need to be able to get their exotic blitz packages to find success against the Jets and Aaron Rodgers. New York has struggled to pick up pressure this season. On top of that, the offensive line is injured and under-performing. And on top of that, Rodgers is a 40-year old quarterback with injuries of his own, with limited mobility.
All Arizona has to do is make sure they are able to pressure Rodgers, and they have a serious chance at winning this matchup. Allowing Rodgers time in the pocket to throw, and the secondary will be picked apart.
Keys to victory for the New York Jets
Stop Kyler Murray early
The Arizona quarterback has been incredible in the beginning of football games. In fact, he is one of the best quarterbacks overall in the first quarter of games. However, if the Jets are able to slow him down early, they can prevent having to dig themselves out of a big hole.
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Murray starts fast, then winds down as the game continues. Keeping Murray in the pocket and limiting his playmaking ability will be vital for the Jets to win this matchup.
Keep Aaron Rodgers clean
There’s no question that Rodgers is still an elite arm-talent with a high football IQ. However, it’s not an exaggeration to say that physically, he looks like the 40-year old that he is. That is to say, his mobility is a liability for the Jets.
If the Jets had an elite offensive line, this likely wouldn’t be an issue. However, the unit is plagued with injuries and poor play. However, that’s no excuse. The team must find a way to keep Rodgers upright, and limit the amount of times that he’s hit by the defense.
Arizona is a team that utilizes exotic and unique blitz packages. And while at times they don’t get home, if offenses can’t figure it out, it spells disaster for opposing quarterbacks. Considering where Rodgers is at this point in his career, the best bet for the Jets is to make sure they can pick up that pressure, and allow Rodgers to win with his arm – and his mind.
