Colts vs Jets: Keys to the Game Preview
By Dave McKee
Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) celebrates his touchdown run during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Browns 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Key Matchups for the New York Jets against the Colts
Chris Ivory is a game time decision for the Jets. Against the Cleveland Browns, Ivory shines with 20 carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Ivory’s success on the ground will be a key to keeping the Colts pass rush in check and keep Ryan Fitzpatrick comfortable in the pocket. With a groin injury, it is difficult to tell if Ivory can even play until he stretches out before the game. If Ivory cannot play cannot go look for Bilal Powell and Zac Stacy to share the load against a Colts run defense that was surprisingly stout aside from two chunk plays. The Colts held LeSean McCoy to 2.6 yards per carry in week one.
Ryan Fitzpatrick:
Ryan Fitzpatrick is no stranger to the Indianapolis Colts having spent 2013 in Tennessee and 2014 in Houston. This quarterback battle between Fitzpatrick and Andrew Luck can easily be dubbed, “The Battle of the Beards” or the “Battle of the Brains.” Both are great monikers for this matchup. Fitzpatrick a Harvard graduate, is a cerebral quarterback whose intelligence and efficiency is a blessing in disguise for New York.
Fitzpatrick knows when to get rid of the ball and is great at making much needed adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Fitzpatrick is typically considered a ‘game manager’ but he can sling the ball when given the opportunity which was evident against Cleveland. In week one Fitzpatrick was 15 of 24 for 179 yards and two touchdowns. His reads at the line will be crucial for the Jets offense to have success on the road.
Eric Decker only saw 3 targets last week. He hauled in two of those passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. He will likely be facing Jalil Brown in coverage and will need to step up as a playmaker for the Jets, with Brandon Marshall likely getting a large helping of Vontae Davis. Look for Decker to make his impact felt in the redzone where he excels as a big body target. He has a three inch height advantage on the Colts defensive backs and will look to use that to haul in 50/50 balls in the redzone.
Another game time decision, Antonio Cromartie is questionable with a knee injury. At 6-2 , 205 lbs. Cromartie will likely be used against either of the Colts taller receivers, Donte Moncrief or Andre Johnson. If he is available to play he will likely face off against whichever lines up on the outside for Indianapolis. Cromartie excels in press coverage and has enough burst to recover on any broken plays. He can be a nuisance to Colts receivers who struggled to gain separation a week earlier. Should he be able to shut down Johnson or Moncrief his performance alone could swing the game in favor of the Jets.
Next: The Colts Key Matchups