New York Jets

Jets vs Steelers: Top 3 keys to Gang Green victory

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:57 p.m. ET

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For the Jets vs Steelers Week 5 matchup, here are the three keys to victory for a big Gang Green win.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) hands the ball off to New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

In the Week 5 matchup of Jets vs Steelers, the expectation is for a Steel City rout. Even the most ardent fans of the New York Jets don’t expect much out of this team.

No one can blame them, because the Jets comes into this game not only reeling, but now banged up. Jalin Marshall and Darrelle Revis are listed as doubtful, Eric Decker and Brian Winters are out for the second straight week, and Quincy Enunwa might be limited in action.

Talk about adding injury on top of insult. With all that said, the Jets can win this game. It’s unlikely, but here are the top three keys to a Jets win.

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) runs for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) pursues during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

3. Get Matt Forte going

Running back Matt Forte has been a weak point of the Jets offense this season. He was supposed to be the glue that held this team together.

Forte was supposed to be the ultimate weapon. He’s been anything but that so far in 2016, and it looks like we can see why the Chicago Bears were willing to part ways.

However, this could be a breakout game for Forte. Pittsburgh’s defense is susceptible to running backs.

According to Scout.com, the Steelers have allowed the ninth most total yards to running backs this season. They have also allowed the fifth most touchdowns; so this could be Forte’s break.

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 Big Ben

You can’t stop them, you can only hope to contain them. That’s a very common phrase in sports, and it definitely applies to Pittsburgh’s passing attack.

With the Jets propensity to give up big plays in the secondary, it definitely applies. However, they can slow them down.

Get to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. If they can hit him early and get sacks, they will definitely slow them down.

The Steelers are missing some offensive linemen, so the Jets should be able to get pressure on Roethlisberger. If they can get to him, it will limit the damage the receivers can do downfield.

1. Protect the football

Turnovers have plagued the Jets this season. They not only have the ten interceptions from Fitzpatrick, but they have lost three fumbles.

That’s a total of 13 turnovers. In 2016, the Jets had 24 turnovers for the entire season, and Fitzpatrick is already 2/3 of the way to his 2015 interception total.

If they protect the football, it will also put their defense in more advantageous situations. Roethlisberger will punish the Jets for turning the football over.

In order to beat the Steelers, the Jets can’t beat themselves. Giving Pittsburgh’s high-powered offense extra possessions will only spell doom for this team.