THREE KEYS
AT METLIFE STADIUM WHEN: 1 P.M. TV: CBS LINE: JETS BY 3
GET PRESSURE ON HOWELL
The Jets need to consistently bother Commanders QB Sam Howell and force him to make ill-advised mistakes inside the pocket. The Jets’ defense could also help their struggling offense by translating turnovers into points.
If Howell can play with a clean pocket, Washington’s offense will have opportunities to get the ball to receivers Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, which would also open up the Commanders’ rushing attack. Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is ruled out for Sunday’s game, so expect Chris Rodriguez and Antonio Gibson to see most of the snaps in the backfield for Washington.
PROTECT SIEMIAN AND ESTABLISH THE RUN
Trevor Siemian is not an athletic quarterback inside the pocket. That’s why it is imperative for the Jets to protect him, which should also create running lanes for Breece Hall and the ground game. Against the Dolphins last week, the Jets offensive line allowed six sacks, and both Siemian and Zach Wilson, who started the game before suffering a concussion, were constantly under duress.
If the Jets can get the passing game going against a Commanders defense that’s 32nd against the pass, that will generate more opportunities for Hall, who hasn’t had a 100yard game since Oct. 8 against the Broncos.
FEED THE BALL TO GARRETT
In a game against the worst defense in football, the Jets must find creative ways to get Wilson the ball in space. In the loss to Miami, the Jets didn’t want to throw the ball to Wilson while Jalen Ramsey was covering him. That led to the second-year wideout registering just three catches for 29 yards.
There’s no reason why the Jets shouldn’t get the ball to their best offensive playmaker at least 10 games a game. It doesn’t matter if Ramsey or any top CBs are against him, Wilson should be a focal point in the Jets’ offense. If they’re going to turn it around, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett needs to use Wilson in a variety of ways.