Kansas City Chiefs

Jets vs Chiefs: Top 3 keys to victory for Gang Green

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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In the Jets vs Chiefs Week 3 matchup, Gang Green must do these top three key strategies if they plan to leave Kansas City victorious.

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (22) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in what should be one of the most heated matchups of Week 3. Both teams are 1-1 with difficult stretches ahead, so the loser could dig themselves into a miniature hole. The last time these two met (2014), Gang Green fell on the road by a score of 24-10 in what was a dismal season. They’ll hope for a different result in this outing as Arrowhead Stadium will be rocking per usual. This Jets vs Chiefs game will be a good one.

Head coach Todd Bowles and company came up huge in Orchard Park last week, but it was by no means pretty. The Jets gave up big play after big play and nearly choked away what should’ve been a blowout win. If you take away the two busted coverages and the Jalin Marshall fumble, they would’ve surrendered a mere 10 points. Despite a near-flawless effort on offense, New York obviously, has some things to clear up before they take the field.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, are coming off a frustrating 19-12 loss in Houston.

The offense was sluggish and turnover-prone coughing it up three times while failing to find pay dirt. Jamaal Charles‘ return was supposed to happen this week, however, he’s already listed as out, according to ESPN’s Adam Teicher. If Kansas City wants to rebound, they’ll have to find contribution elsewhere and in a hurry.

A loss here could be detrimental. Wild card and perhaps season implications are on the line for the Jets in this game. Seattle at home and trips to Pittsburgh as well as Arizona loom. If they were to leave the Midwest empty-handed, the train could derail in a matter of no time. Without further ado, here are top three keys to victory for New York.

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) scrambles out of the pocket as Houston Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) chases during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

3. Pressure Alex Smith

There’s no hiding that the Jets have issues when it comes to containing a mobile quarterback. Tyrod Taylor is truly the only dual-threat guy they’ve faced in recent memory, although the defense against him is concerning. In three games under center vs Gang Green, he’s 53/85 for 637 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. On top of that, he has 18 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown. Like Taylor, Alex Smith poses a legitimate threat as a scrambler.

The 2005 No. 1 overall pick isn’t as fast Taylor, but he can rack up similar yardage because defenses look at him as a pocket passer.

With that being said, the Jets need to play the pass while keeping his mobility in mind. The inside linebackers will have to spy and the outside linebackers will have to get in the backfield. The defensive line can only do so much in terms of applying pressure. Unless we see a lot of cornerback and safety blitzes keeping Smith between the tackles, execution will lean heavily on the linebacking corp.

It’s also time to see more of Lorenzo Mauldin making an impact on the edge. He has a sack through the first two games and as the best outside linebacker on the team, that number has to start rising soon. The Chiefs’ offensive line is one of the weakest units across the league which makes this an enormous opportunity for the Louisville product to have a day. New York must get after Smith in order to keep Kansas City off the board.

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) changes the play call during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

2. Chew clock

The Jets have a valuable weapon in Matt Forte and this week he’s an essential piece to the offense. He’s fairly essential in the first place, although in this one he’s without a doubt the glue. Winning the time of possession is what every team looks to do when playing in a hostile environment on the road. You wear out their defense, wear out the crowd, and most importantly keep your defense rested. This is particularly crucial because the Chiefs have quite a few speedsters on offense.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was in full control of things in Week 2 and you have to trust him to come through again. The veteran milked the play clock down to single digits all night as New York had the ball for almost 40 minutes. The Bills had the ball for just 21. With Forte, Bilal Powell, Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and the emerging Quincy Enunwa, it’s tough not to have faith in your quarterback keeping the offense on the field.

Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey would be hard pressed not to give his lead back another heavy dose of touches.

This would, of course, keep the clock ticking and put the team in the best position to win. Forte has already accumulated 196 yards on 52 carries along with seven catches for 68 yards. If he can continue to produce at that rate and Powell gets involved, it’d be tough for Kansas City to get stops.

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1. Use Cover 2

It’s time for Darrelle Revis to get a little help on the outside don’t you think? The guy is by no means washed up, however, he can’t cover the elite receivers one on one like he used to. What people don’t understand is that he’s hung out to dry on a majority of these deep passes. He’s obviously struggling and he needs safety help over the top from here on out. If Bowles continues to leave him on an island, the defense is in big trouble.

Kansas City has an offense who can hammer you on deep passes.

Smith isn’t known for his arm yet every week he finds his speedy wideouts downfield. Jeremy Maclin, Chris Conley, Albert Wilson, and Tyreek Hill all have the capability of taking the top off the Jets’ defense. Don’t forget about Travis Kelce either. Since Jamaal Charles is on the sideline, that leaves New York with one less threat to worry about through the air.

Look for Marcus Gilchrist and Calvin Pryor to hang back against this fast group. Gang Green can find plenty of coverage sacks with Revis and Marcus Williams jamming at the line. Cover 2 is ideal for the future Pro Football Hall of Famer as he’s still efficient and strong in press coverage. If Bowles continues to run Cover 1 and Cover 0, the Jets are pretty much a lock to give up 21+ points for the fourth game in a row. Hopefully, New York has learned their lesson after already allowing three long passing touchdowns on the young season. Give the corners some assistance and get to 2-1.