3 keys for Jacksonville Jaguars to beat NY Jets in Week 16

2. The Jacksonville Jaguars must slow down the NY Jets’ offense.

The Jaguars will be without Josh Allen in Week 16 after being placed on the COVID-19 list, so defensive coordinator Joe Cullen will be tasked to manufacture pressure without him. On the bright side, defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris and Dawuane Smoot have played well over the last few weeks. Also, the defense should consider blitzing from the back seven, which worked against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14.

The Jets aren’t an offensive powerhouse but neither were the Houston Texans and they scored 20 points on the Jags. Having said that, New York will be shorthanded on offense, as Jamison Crowder is unlikely to play. Wide receiver Elijah Moore and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker won’t suit up either, as they landed on the COVID-19 list. Will it be enough to tip the scale in Jacksonville’s favor?

The Jaguars have two good cornerbacks in Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell and they will have a favorable matchup. Campbell in particular has been on a hot streak in recent weeks, posting the highest Pro Football Focus overall grade among cornerbacks in Week 15 and snagging two interceptions in the last four games. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him get his third one. Zach Wilson has struggled in his rookie campaign and the Jags can’t let him bounce back in Week 16.