David Johnson could have a big day against the Jets D. Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets (1-4) at Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
KICKOFF: Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz. TV: ESPN, Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters.
SERIES HISTORY: 9th regular season meeting, Jets lead series 6-2. The Jets won the most recent meeting between the teams on Dec. 2, 2012, when QB Greg McElroy enjoyed his finest moment as a pro by relieving Mark Sanchez in the third quarter and directing the game’s lone touchdown drive — which he capped with his only NFL touchdown pass, a 1-yard strike to TE Jeff Cumberland — to lead the Jets to a 7-6 win at MetLife Stadium. The Jets have won the last six games in the series dating back to 1978.
GAMEDATE: 10/17/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Jets can’t afford to fall behind early and put the game on the right shoulder of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. A fast start that includes an early score or two is pivotal in allowing RBs Matt Forte and Bilal Powell to remain an integral part of the play-calling. The Cardinals allow 4.6 yards per carry and 118.2 yards per game, so the opportunity is there if the Jets’ offensive line is able to control the trenches. A big factor could prove to be the availability/effectiveness of C Nick Mangold, who is trying to return from a knee injury.
The Cardinals have had three extra days of rest since a Thursday night victory over the 49ers, and part of that time was dedicate to dissecting why the offense has yet to fully click this season. QB Carson Palmer returns from a one-game absence due to a concussion, but faces questions about why he has underthrown several receivers this season and why the Cardinals’ vaunted vertical passing game hasn’t been as effective thus far.
The Jets’ beleaguered secondary could prove the Firestarter, as the Jets enter with the league’s 31st-ranked secondary and a slew of long completions allowed. Former Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles returns to Arizona as the Jets’ head coach, but he doesn’t have the personnel needed to shut down Palmer & Co. He’ll likely sink the safeties in an attempt to limit the vertical passing game, but that just opens room underneath for versatile RB David Johnson and WR Larry Fitzgerald, who does more of his damage closer to the line of scrimmage these days.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
–Jets WR Brandon Marshall vs. Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson: Like he did with Seattle’s Richard Sherman two weeks ago, Marshall can expect shadow coverage from the All-Pro Peterson. Marshall is Fitzpatrick’s favorite target but coverage has been more difficult since Eric Decker was lost to a shoulder injury. That means Quincy Enunwa, Jalin Marshall and Robby Anderson must win their individual battles.
–Jets NT Steve McClendon/DE Leonard Williams vs. Cardinals LG John Wetzel: A tough assignment for Wetzel in his first career start. He held up well enough in relief of Mike Iupati (ankle) against the 49ers last week, but the Jets’ stout defensive line is a different deal. He’ll likely receive some help from LT Jared Veldheer and C A.Q. Shipley, but that has an impact on the overall blocking schemes.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Jets CB Darryl Roberts. The former practice squad player has an opportunity to carve out a significant role with Darrelle Revis (hamstring) seemingly on the downside of his stellar career and Marcus Williams appearing to be better suited as role player.
FAST FACTS: The Jets are 31-51-1 all-time in games played in the Mountain or Western time zones, but they are 2-0 at Arizona. … The Cardinals enter with 18 sacks, the second-most in the NFL this season and the fifth-most in franchise history through five games.
PREDICTION: Bowles played for Arians at Temple in the 1980s, but this is not a case of the student getting the better of the teacher. The Cardinals are seeking to revive their vertical passing game, and the Jets’ overmatched secondary is the perfect tonic. And just the threat alone creates space for dynamic RB David Johnson to do his damage underneath – so long as the Cardinals’ backup offensive guards are able to adequately protect Palmer.
OUR PICK: Cardinals, 38-26.
–Derek Harper
