The Jets have won four their last five games, but they haven’t played anyone as good as the 11-2 Ravens. That will change Thursday night in Baltimore.
With a win, the Ravens would clinch the AFC North and hold firm position of the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff race. The Jets are banged up and will most likely be shorthanded. However, their run defense may present a problem for Lamar Jackson and company, although Jackson is nursing an injury himself.
What should Jets fans be aware of before Gang Green takes the field this weekend? Let’s take a look at some pregame storylines to keep an eye on.
Lamar Jackson vs. Jets Run Defense
Lamar Jackon has set the NFL ablaze with his creative play in 2019.
A star in the making, Jackson is only 23 yards short of setting the single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback. Michael Vick set the record at 1,039 yards back in 2006. Baltimore is averaging 200.9 yards per game on the ground.
The Jets, however, boast the league’s No. 2 rushing defense led by Steve McLendon, Foley Fatukasi, Kyle Phillips, Nathan Shepherd and Quinnen Williams. The Jets allow 75.6 yards rushing per outing. New York dropped from No. 1 to No. 2 in total rushing defense after giving up 122 yards to Miami last Sunday, but the Jets are allowing a league-low 3.03 yards per carry.
With the Jets defense and Jackson banged up, it will be interesting to see who has the edge on the ground.
Le’Veon Bell returns
After missing Sunday’s game with the flu, Le’Veon Bell will return for the Jets’ Thursday night matchup.
The star running back was scrutinized for going bowling after the team had ruled him out against the Miami Dolphins. Bell claims that he lost 10 pounds and was told by doctors that he needed to be doing some physical activities.
Regardless, it shouldn’t have become the media spectacle it became. But, the Jets will always be the Jets. Additionally, Bell was adamant about his lack of involvement on offense, specifically his touches.
It seems there is a disconnect between Bell and his head coach. Regardless, the Jets are going to need to get their All-Pro back heavily involved in the offense with Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery hurting.
The injury bug bites again
Right now, the Jets don’t have enough healthy bodies to play a game on Thursday. It is likely that Gang Green will have to move another player to injured reserve prior to the game.
In the team’s official injury report, New York ruled out TE Ryan Griffin (ankle), CB Brian Poole (concussion), OT Chuma Edoga (knee) and RB Bilal Powell (ankle/illness).
In addition, S Jamal Adams (ankle), DL Quinenn Williams (neck), CB Arthur Maulet (calf) and WR Demaryius Thomas (hamstring/knee) are all listed as doubtful and unlikely to play.
New York will need Daniel Brown, Vyncint Smith, Nathan Shepherd and Darryl Roberts to step up come Thursday night.
C.J. Mosley won’t play, but several former Ravens are
When C.J. Mosley signed a lucrative deal with the Jets, a Week 15 showdown was immediately circled on the calendar.
While a groin injury limited Mosley to two games and a subsequent IR trip, the Ravens shouldn’t be too upset that they won’t be seeing him.
The Jets also have OL Alex Lewis, RB Ty Montgomery, CB Maurice Canady, S Bennett Jackson and LB Brandon Copeland, who will likely be playing prominent roles while playing against their former team for the first time.
Given Joe Douglas’ upbringing in Baltimore’s front office, it’s no surprise to see so many former Ravens lining up for the Jets.
