Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Chicago Bears at New York Jets
The New York Jets take on the Vikings on the road in Minnesota this Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. The three keys to Gang Green taking down the 9-2 Vikings are:
1. CB Ahmad Sauce Gardner vs. WR Justin Jefferson
This is a must watch matchup for fans and a must win matchup for Gardner if the Jets want a shot at winning this game. Jefferson has that game wrecking ability if left unchecked. Jefferson currently has 1,232 yards receiving on 81 receptions, and five touchdowns. On the flip side, Sauce Gardner has not allowed a touchdown since Week 2 and has allowed just two catches or less for 42 yards or less in the past four games. According to Pro Football Focus, Sauce is currently the highest graded rookie with an 86.7 rating and second in the league in terms of coverage grade with an 87.8 overall rating. The Jets secondary has kept in check the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Tyrek Hill, and Stefon Diggs thus far this season, Gardner needs to contain Jefferson as best he can.
2. Applying Pressure on Quarterback Kirk Cousins
The Jets defense has been the team’s strong suit for the entirety of the season thus far. The pass rush has registered a total of 34 sacks and 86 QB hits which is the second most in the league. Applying pressure to Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is key to limiting his ability to get the ball to guys like Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Cousins went 30 for 37, throwing for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception against a quarterback hungry New England Patriots defense last week en route to a 33-26 victory. It is worth noting that the Jets defense has given up just 14.4 points per game. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and company need to snatch Kirk Cousins’ bling and make him feel the heat.
3. The Continuation of the Stellar Quarterback Play from Mike White
Jets quarterback Mike White looked arguably more polished than ever last week against the Chicago Bears. He posted a 78.57 completion percentage, passed for 315 yards, and threw three touchdowns. The important thing from that game is that despite the slippery weather conditions, White did not turn the ball over a single time. He has an even better shot at performing at a high level this week given the fact that Minnesota’s defense currently has a pass defense rate of 97.2 which puts them at 28th in the league. The Vikings defensive line also has a middle of the road pressure rate at 28.6 led by edge rusher Za’Darious Smith. White was able to get the ball out quickly and utilized the dink and dunk approach, something Zach Wilson has failed to do.
The Jets are a slight underdog heading into this game at +3.5 according to Fanduel Sportsbook.
