The New York Jets are 3-1, coming off a bye week and are just a week away from a major showdown with the New England Patriots. However, before they face off with their AFC East rivals, they host a Washington team that has proven to be dangerous. All of the progress the Jets have made this year could be wiped out if they look past Washington.
Washington vs. Jets 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Jets need to avoid overlooking Washington before a Week 7 showdown with New England.
Washington is 2-3, but its wins are against quality opponents (the St. Louis Rams and Philadelphia Eagles) and they took the then-unbeaten Atlanta Falcons to overtime last week before Kirk Cousins threw a pick-six early in the extra session.
The ground-and-pound run game has helped when quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has struggled. Running back Chris Ivory was a beast against the Miami Dolphins in London, going for 166 yards and one touchdown on 29 rushes. Fitzpatrick was thrown in at the deep end after Geno Smith's broken jaw, but he has started establishing a connection with the receivers. Brandon Marshall has been his favorite target, putting up 400 yards and three touchdowns in four games.
The Jets' defense will get a big boost against Washington with the return of defensive end Sheldon Richardson. Following a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on marijuana, the Pro Bowler will add another layer of depth to a line that already features Muhammad Wilkerson, who has a team-high 3.5 sacks, and nose tackle Damon Harrison.
Even with Richardson on the sidelines, the Jets had become one of the league's best defenses under head coach Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rogers. Their 3-4 scheme ranks second in the league against the pass and seventh against the run, and they've forced 13 turnovers in four games.
That’s not good news for a Washington offense that is not the picture of consistency. With Robert Griffin III banned to purgatory, Kirk Cousins has been his usual self -- a great leader of men, but a below-average thrower of footballs. In a conservative scheme that is averaging just 9.7 yards per completion, Cousins has thrown six interceptions as opposed to five touchdowns. He also doesn’t pose any threat with his legs, having only gained 1 yard on the ground.
Against a strong pass rush, which the Jets will certainly have with the return of Richardson, the immobile Cousins will be a sitting duck. Cousins will probably be without his favorite target, tight end Jordan Reed, who is recovering from a concussion. With DeSean Jackson missing the past four games with a hamstring injury, Reed is the only main Washington receiver averaging more than 10 yards a catch.
The Washington running game has been split between Alfred Morris, Matt Jones and receiving specialist Chris Thompson. They are picking up 4.1 yards per carry, right around the league average, but Jones, who has three touchdowns is questionable with a toe injury.
Washington’s pass defense has been good and should be able to give Fitzpatrick some trouble, but Ivory should have a productive game against a front seven that is allowing 4.4 yards per carry.
How to watch
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
TV: FOX
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Holly Sonders
Online: NFL Game Pass
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