The Jets (5-7) are in free fall, having lost three in a row. A loss to the Raiders (4-8) at home on Sunday surely dooms their playoff chances. Here’s a look at what they must do to avoid another loss.
Get Geno on track
Rookie Geno Smith is running out of time to turn it around. People have all but forgotten his Monday night heroics in Atlanta two months ago and are stewing over his 38.2% completion rate and six interceptions during the current skid. The next time Matt Simms relieves Smith might be the last time.
Shut down the run
The Raiders are fifth in the NFL in rushing yards. The Jets are No. 1 in run defense. Something’s gotta give, but the Jets are unlikely to win if the unstoppable force beats the immovable object. Fortunately for Gang Green, Oakland backs Rashad Jennings and Darren McFadden are banged up, while mobile QB Terrelle Pryor warms the bench.
Hand it off
On the flip side, the Jets’ rushing attack is 10th best in the league, the same rank the Raiders’ run defense holds. Since counting on Smith to play well is such a risky proposition, it will be up to Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell to carry the load, both figuratively and literally.
