The New York Jets take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11 in a matchup between two struggling teams. The Jets were originally heralded as Super Bowl contenders entering the season. Meanwhile, many believed the Colts would challenge the Houston Texans for AFC South dominance this year. Instead, both teams are fighting losing records nearing the end of the third quarter mark of the season. How will this matchup shake out? Learn the keys to the game as we breakdown this AFC matchup.
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts Football History & Excerpts
The Jets and Colts have played each other 76 times in NFL history, with four postseason games. Currently, Indianapolis holds the series lead against New York, 44-32 overall. They also have a 3-2 edge over the Jets in their last five meetings.
The best win in recent memory for the Jets, goes back to the 2010 NFL playoffs, where New York came away with a 17-16 victory over Peyton Manning and the Colts. If you want to take a trip down memory lane, here’s video of the team’s game-winning drive against those Colts during that playoff matchup.
New York is a team that’s reeling, with a 3-7 record entering this matchup. Fortunately, the team gets a bye week after this game. Unfortunately, players are already starting to think about that rest day before this game has even begun.
"We've just got to focus on what's front of us and beat the Colts and then get to the bye and sort some things out."
Aaron Rodgers talks about what's next for the Jets at 3-7: pic.twitter.com/KQ22p5ayIA
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 11, 2024
The Jets desperately need to come away with a victory this week.
On the other side of the coin, the Colts are a team reverting back to their former first-round pick in Anthony Richardson. Richardson was benched after taking himself out of the game for a “breather” a few weeks ago. Now, against a team that can’t stop mobile quarterbacks, Richardson gets the nod as the starter over Joe Flacco. And going into this matchup, the 22-year old wants to put on an epic display for the fans.
#Colts fans Anthony Richardson was very candid with us today. He told me he appreciated your support while he was watching from the sidelines.
Here's what he hopes to prove to you and the team starting on Sunday at #Jets. @WISHNews8 pic.twitter.com/yDXo0EWBDg
— Anthony Calhoun 📺 (@ACwishtv) November 14, 2024
Key Players for the Jets
On offense, the biggest key player for New York is wide receiver Garrett Wilson. With Allen Lazard still on injured reserve – and whether or not Davante Adams can play – the onus is on Wilson to lead the receiving group for New York.
To his credit, Wilson has stepped up after a slow start to the season. And, a lot about that slow start had to do with his connection with Aaron Rodgers. It will be pivotal for the two to be on the same page in this matchup, as Wilson is one of the only players to consistently win at the top of his routes.
I know I’ve been critical of Wilson early this season, but that had more to do with expecting him to become an “Alpha” while he was underperforming. Now, he’s answering all of those questions, and more, and should play a major role in this game if the Jets want to win.
On defense, they key player is cornerback Ahmad Gardner. The cornerback has still performed well from deterring separation from wide receivers. However, he’s made costly penalties, is a liability in run support, doesn’t turn the ball over, and has played the wrong coverage in critical moments.
With multiple high-end pass-catchers for the Colts, Gardner will have to be a leader on the field with his play. That means continuing his ability to shut down the opposing pass-catcher. It also means that the Jets cornerback will have to prove he can be more than a turnstile in run support. If Gardner has a big game, New York will be likely to come out on top.
Key Players for the Colts
On offense, the key player is quarterback Anthony Richardson, without question. The Jets have been a pathetic run defense this year, and if the Colts run the read option with Richardson and Jonathan Taylor, the game will be over early. Honestly, if Richardson provides even a little positive in the passing attack while having success running the ball, this game won’t be relatively close.
On defense, the key players for the Colts will be their front seven. Rodgers throws at one of the fastest rates in the NFL, meaning the Jets prefer yard after catch opportunity. That dink and dunk offense has also played a part in their downfall.
If the Colts can create pressure on Rodgers, the defense will force turnovers, create sack opportunities, and put the Jets in bad situations on defense. The Jets receiving group will be hurting this week, meaning it will take longer for New York to have their receivers get open. That provides enough opportunity for Indianapolis’ front seven to get pressure, and get home.
Keys to victory for New York
These three points will be key for the Jets to win on Sunday.
Keep Rodgers clean
There’s no secret that Rodgers is not the same player he was five years ago. And, while he may be getting healthier, the offensive line continues to be shaky, at best. However, if the team is able to keep him clean in the pocket, he will have time to figure out how to beat the Colts secondary. If they aren’t, it could be a long day for New York.
Stop the run
It’s genuinely disappointing that this needs to be said on a week-in, week-out basis for New York. However, they have done literally nothing since Week 1 to prove that they can stop the run. The team is not disciplined in their gap assignments (due to scheme), and the tackling is nonexistent. Against Richardson and Taylor, if the Jets can’t limit big plays in the run game, they have zero shot at winning this matchup.
Better coaching
Jeff Ulbrich has honestly been a disappointment as the interim head coach. The Jets haven’t received the old adage of the “interim coach boost” in which the team plays hard to end the season. Instead, the Jets have looked lethargic sparing a few players on both sides of the ball. That is a coaching issue.
Another coaching issue is the tackling performance. While Ulbrich said the team is drilling it in practice, we’ll only find out how effective it is on gameday.
Finally, the Jets head coach has to be better at game management. Wasting three timeouts in the first quarter of a football game is deplorable, to say the least. On top of that, he needs to get better at recognizing when, and where, to throw challenges, and call timeout. The Jets need someone who performs at a level just slightly beyond mediocre, and it will go a long way for New York to have a chance to win.
