Arizona Cardinals

Jets vs Cardinals: Top 3 keys to a New York victory

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:20 p.m. ET

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The Week 3 tilt of Jets vs Cardinals is intriguing. Both teams are under .500, and the Cardinals were supposed to be one of the tougher teams to face. However, the Cardinals look vulnerable this season.

Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass against Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sean Davis (28) during the first quarter of their game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets vs Cardinals matchup has occurred eight times, and the Jets have won six in a row. So unlike last week, when the Jets were facing a nemesis, they hardly have beaten, it’s a little different historically.

The Jets come into this game having lost three straight in some of the worst play imaginable. They also are not great historically going into the fourth game after a three-game losing streak. They are 28-29 in those situations. With that said, they have won three out of the last four.

It’s going to be a tough matchup, but the Jets can win, and here’s how.

3. Bring back Revis Island

Since the beginning of the season, people have said Revis Island is gone, and they’re right. However, it’s not for the reasons they think.

It could be schematic or the playing style, but Revis hasn’t really lost a step. He just has been getting beat, because he’s playing differently than he used to.

Revis isn’t playing his typical bump and run coverage, and because he’s never had elite speed, he’s getting burned. It’s time for Revis to play up on the line and physical to show the NFL they can’t take advantage of him.

If he can play bump and run, it’ll give the Jets defensive line a little more time to get to the quarterback and help the rest of the secondary. That brings us to the next topic.

Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

2. Get to Carson Palmer

The Jets got to Andy Dalton seven times in Week 1. However, in the four subsequent weeks, they’ve only tallied five sacks total.

Despite the loss, the defensive line showed what they can do to help the Jets win. With these Jets, winning will start up front on defense.

The Cardinals have allowed the ninth most sacks, the 11th most hits and the tenth most combined. So, the Jets should be able to get to quarterback Carson Palmer, if the back end can hold up.

This Jets defense is much better than it has shown, and this could be a game where they show what they’re capable of. Bring on the Cardinals offensive line.

Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws an interception under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jaye Howard (96) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

1. Protect the football

We’ve talked about this ad nauseam in the media. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has 10 interceptions, and while some aren’t his fault, they need to stop.

With that said, the Jets also have three lost fumbles, and wide receiver Jalin Marshall has two of them. Regardless of who is turning the football over, it must stop.

The only turnover-free game was the one in Buffalo. Consequently, they won that game.

If you win the turnover battle, generally you win the game. The best way to win the turnover battle is to not give it away yourself. The Jets can’t afford any turnovers to the Cardinals as they will make the most out of every opportunity to turn it into points.