Five Crucial Games on the Jets’ 2014 Schedule

Rex Ryan and the Jets look to improve on their surprising 8-8 record of 2013

Some familiar faces have returned to the team this offseason, including LB Calvin Pace and G Willie Colon. Those leaving the Jets include Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes, and Mark Sanchez. The additions of Eric Decker, Michael Vick, Chris Johnson, Jacoby Ford, and Dimitri Patterson have energized the fan base.

Here are the five most important games to look forward to this season, in chronological order:

Darren McFadden running against the Jets

5.) Week 1 vs. the Raiders

This will be the fifth straight year the Jets have opened the season at Metlife Stadium. The Raiders went through a major overhaul this offseason, due to almost $60 million in cap space. That brought along veteran free agent acquisitions, including Austin Howard (former Jets starting tackle), Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, Tarell Brown, Maurice Jones-Drew, Matt Schaub, Carlos Rogers, and James Jones.

Key for a Jets win: If healthy, MJD and McFadden form arguably one of the NFL’s best running back tandems for Oakland. The Jets must not let the Raiders dictate the pace of this game. Matt Schaub won’t have as much weapons as he did in Houston with Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. Oakland has just one experienced receiver in James Jones. As for the Jets offense, either Geno/Vick will have to limit their turnovers. The Jets have the talent to win this game. The question becomes—can they play mistake-free?

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Cutler facing Jets pass rush

4.) Week 3 vs. the Bears

Here comes the first primetime test for the Jets this season. It won’t be easy with that explosive Bears offense. Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, and Alshon Jeffrey will be sure to give Rex and company sleepless nights leading up to the game. Da Bears haven’t lived up to their “Monsters of the Midway” reputation on defense—Chicago was ranked 30th in total defense last year. To illustrate how bad they were, in one game they gave up 106 yards and 2 touchdowns to 31-year-old Brandon Jacobs! One has to imagine, though, that they’ll be improved with the additions of LaMarr Houston and Jared Allen.

Key for a Jets win: The Jets will most likely not be able to keep up with the Bears in a shootout. The defense will have to come up big and keep the game close. That means forcing Jay Cutler into mistakes. He definitely has the gunslinger mentality, which is very high-risk, high-reward. The defensive line will have to create pressure. Wilkerson, Richardson, and Harrison might cause the Bears’ O-Line problems. Should be a fun Monday night game to watch.

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Tom Brady against the Jets

3.) Week 7 vs. the Patriots

This game will be on Thursday night and for good reason. These teams hate each other, and now a former standout player for the Jets has crossed enemy lines into New England. Sorry Jets fans. It must be very awkward to see Darrelle Revis in a blue and red uniform. The rivalry has heated up since Rex Ryan became Jets coach in 2009.

Key for a Jets win: The Jets had Tom Brady’s number in both games last year. He completed 19/39 passes in the first game and 22/46 passes in the second game, for a total completion percentage of 48%. That is the reason both games were close last year. The Jets defense needs to repeat those performances next year. It is also up to whoever New York’s quarterback is to limit turnovers. Bill Belichick loves to capitalize on turnovers. Chris Ivory had 104 tough yards on 34 carries in the 2nd game against New England. With Chris Johnson in the mix, their running game should find success against New England’s line. We’ll see what happens.

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Geno Smith losing a fumble vs. Titans

2.) Week 15 vs. Titans

The Jets head out to Tennessee for the third straight year. The past two years have been absolute debacles for the Jets, especially in the turnover department. In 2012, Mark Sanchez had 5 turnovers (4 interceptions and 1 fumble lost) in a 14-10 loss. In 2013, Geno Smith had 4 turnovers (2 interceptions and 2 fumbles lost) in a 38-13 loss.

Key for a Jets win: While the talent on Tennessee isn’t on the top level, this presents a significant mental hurdle for the Jets as a team. Jake Locker threw three touchdowns last year against the Jets defense before he left with an injury. Ryan Fitzpatrick added another TD, in relief. It is very uncharacteristic of the Jets to allow that many touchdowns under Rex Ryan. The Jets won’t have to worry about Chris Johnson on the Titans, but Tennessee will have to worry about his vengeance. They’ll have to stop former-Jet Shonn Greene and Nate Washington. With Alterraun Verner moving from the Titans to the Buccaneers, Geno/Vick should have an easier time throwing the ball to Decker and Kerley.

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Geno Smith trying to avoid Reshad Jones

1.) Week 17 vs. Dolphins

The Jets end their season in Miami for the second straight year and third time in four years. The past two times have involved losses eliminating playoff contention for both teams – Jets in 2011 and Dolphins in 2013. The Dolphins and Jets have the longest-standing rivalry in the AFC East, dating back to the 1960s. Both teams have good defenses and inconsistent offenses.

Key for a Jets win: Prevent Mike Wallace from getting past the secondary. He has enough speed to break a game open. It should be interesting to see how the Dolphins offense plays with a new offensive coordinator. With the Jets new additions on offense including Decker and Johnson, Geno Smith shouldn’t be as flustered as he was in the first Dolphins game last year. Ex-Dolphin CB Dimitri Patterson might be helpful in figuring out Miami’s defense.

This year’s schedule has its ups and downs, as you’d imagine. The Jets are expected to improve on last year’s 8-8 record and make the playoffs in 2014. How far they go will depend on coaching, good drafting, player performance, and a little bit of luck. Will the Jets soar high or crash? Time will tell.