Rams Opponent Profile: Mediocre Jets Could Help L.A. Get Back Into Win Column
As the Los Angeles Rams look to break a four-game losing streak in Week 10, they'll get to take on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this Sunday. After a third straight defeat by a touchdown or less, the Rams are ready to go after the Jets and break their losing streak.
The Jets had their own four-game slide earlier this season, but after winning twice in a row, New York lost a close contest to the Miami Dolphins on the road. Both teams need this win if either has any remote chance of making a run for an NFL playoff bid this January, making this an early elimination game of sorts.
Season Record
New York is just 3-6 this season, with wins over Buffalo, Baltimore and Cleveland by a combined 17 points. The six losses have been a mixed bag, however: Two losses to Cincinnati and Miami came by a combined five points, while the other four losses were ugly (average of over 18 points per loss).
The Jets have their bye week after this game, so playing 10 games to start the season means the roster is pretty well banged up at this point and in need of a rest. New York may be mentally exhausted as well, even though the club will be at home for this Week 10 match-up against the Rams.
Jets On Offense
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has had a rough year, including the six-interception game he had against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. He hasn't gotten enough help from free-agent signee Matt Forte at running back, either, as Forte has carried the ball for just 3.8 yards per attempt in 2016. As a result, the Jets are just 26th in scoring offense this season at 19.2 points per game.
Losing wide receiver Eric Decker to an injury has hurt the offense as well, although Quincy Enunwa has stepped up nicely in Decker's absence. But 19 turnovers overall, including 13 INTs from Fitzpatrick, have stunted this team's ability to score consistently all year.
Jets On Defense
New York's defense is giving up over 26 points per game, although that number can be misleading. The Jets are actually 14th in defense, in terms of yards allowed. Think about that Kansas City game: Despite the offense coughing the ball up eight times, the N.Y. defense gave up just 24 points in that contest. That's impressive.
But, the Jets offensive woes have put a lot of pressure on the defense. A lot of players have seen significant playing time for New York on this side of the ball, and credit goes to head coach Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers for keeping this unit feisty and competitive.
Jets Players To Watch
If the Rams can shut down Forte in the running game, it will force Fitzpatrick to beat them with his arm. Throughout his career, the former Harvard QB has been inconsistent. Remember, he first played for the Rams back in 2005, going 0-3 as a starter for that team. His career record is 45-67-1, and he's the best the Jets have right now.
No single defender on this team has more than 35 tackles, but 11 players have at least 20 tackles. That's a lot of depth and versatility on this unit. The L.A. offense will want to account for defensive end Leonard Williams, though: He leads the teams in sacks (six) and tackles (35). He's also forced two fumbles this season.
Outlook
The Rams can win this is game, if they stop committing foolish penalties and turnovers. That may be a tough task for L.A. right now, but outside of the penalties, the Rams played Carolina tough last Sunday, right down to the wire. That kind of effort should be enough to beat a team as bad as the Jets.
The key will be how the L.A. defense pressures Fitzpatrick and how the Rams offensive line protects QB Case Keenum. If both those matchups go Los Angeles' way, the Rams will win this game by 10 points or so. So look for Los Angeles to break its losing streak with a 27-17 victory at MetLife Stadium.
Post Author: Sam McPherson.