The 0-4 New York Jets look for their first victory at MetLife Stadium with Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals in town for Week 5.
The third time certainly wasn’t the charm. Perhaps the fifth time will get it done for Adam Gase and the New York Jets.
At 0-4, the Jets welcome in the tough 2-2 Arizona Cardinals to MetLife Stadium for Week 5 NFL action this Sunday. This time, however, veteran Joe Flacco will lead the way.
Where, When, All-Time
- New York Jets (0-4)
- Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
- NFL, Week 5, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
- MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
The Jets hold a 6-3 all-time advantage of the Cardinals franchise. While the Cards took the last meeting, a 28-3 final in 2016, New York won the six previous games dating back to Oct. 22, 1978, when the organization was in St. Louis.
The most memorable meeting featured Brett Favre and a Jets offense scoring 34 points in the second quarter of a 56-35 victory in 2008.
🏈🔜#AZvsNYJ | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/9k5dZUoDaS
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 10, 2020
Odds (Sportsbook)
- Money line: Cardinals -265 | Jets -330
- Spread: Cardinals -7.5 (-120) | Jets +7.5 (Even)
- Over/Under: 47.5 (O: -110, U: -110)
Until the Jets prove they can play a competent game against an average NFL team, there’s no chance in the world any sane better should pick them. Force the Jets to prove it before you either bet on them or even think about betting on the game.
Injury Report
As previously mentioned, Darnold will miss the contest due to the shoulder injury sustained in the loss to the Denver Broncos. That means the kid will not play a full 16-game slate for the third-straight time to open his career.
The biggest loss, by far, is Mekhi Becton. Le’Veon Bell returns, but not having the big fella on the left side will be crucial. Breshad Perriman will also miss the contest.
Expect Ashtyn Davis to be back in there, considering the Jets released Josh Malone Saturday (their primary kick returner). Davis, John Franklin-Myers, Chris Hogan and Jordan Jenkins are listed as questionable.
The Cards will be without linebacker Devon Kennard due to a calf injury. Safety Chris Banjo, tight end Darrell Daniels and defensive lineman Jordan Phillips remain questionable.
Keys to the Game
Contain Kyler Murray
It’s the top key to the game for the Jets. Rushing the passer is critical, but containing this guy and keeping him in the pocket is that much more important.
It’s not like Kyler Murray is lighting the world on fire through the air (21st in total passing yards). Make sure each pass rusher stays in his lane and remains at the same depth to keep him in the pocket.
Allow Flacco Freedom
Without Mekhi Becton, the Jets won’t have the ability to run the ball if they simply execute. That means Flacco will need the ability to call the game at the line of scrimmage. It’s the only way the Jets offense will have a shot.
Prediction
- New York Jets 20, Arizona Cardinals 36
The Jets defense may just be the worst in the NFL. The loss of Jamal Adams destroyed the entire identity of the unit, but their troubles travel much deeper.
Bradley McDougald replacing Marcus Maye at free safety is also a major downgrade, while Neville Hewitt is not getting it done at linebacker. Other than the defensive line showing some promise in the form of Bryce Huff, John Franklin-Myers and Quinnen Williams, there isn’t much there.
Expect Kyler Murray to run wild against this unit and the Cards to score major points.
