The Jets' travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts, coached by Frank Reich, who has a 17-16 record in the regular season and 1-1 record in the postseason, in Week 3. Below is a first look at Jets-Colts.
2019 Season
7-9 overall, 3rd in AFC South
Passing leader: Jacoby Brissett (60.9%, 2,942 yards, 18 TD, 6 INT)
Rushing leader: Marlon Mack (247 carries, 1,091 yards, 8 TD)
Receiving leader: Zach Pascal (41 receptions, 607 yards, 5 TD)
Tackles leader: LB Anthony Walker (123)
Interceptions leader: LB Darius Leonard (5)
Sacks leader: DL Justin Houston (11)
Pro Bowlers: G Quenton Nelson, LB Darius Leonard
Tale of the Tape: Offense NFL Rankings
Total: 11 (399.5 yds/g)
Rushing: 16 (119.5 yds/g)
Passing: 7 (280 yds/g)
3rd down: 31 (30.4%)
Scoring: 18 (24 points/g)
Giveaways: T-19 (3)
Tale of the Tape: Defense NFL Rankings
Total: 1 (208 yds/g)
Rushing: 5 (85.5 yds/g)
Passing: 1 (122.5 yds/g)
Scoring: 8 (19 points/g)
Takeaways: T-6 (3)
Offseason Additions
| Player | 2019 Stats | Career Stats |
|---|---|---|
| QB Philip Rivers | 66 comp %, 4,615 yards, 23 TD, 20 INT, 88.5 rating | 64.8%, 59,848 yards, 399 TD, 201 INT, 95.0 rating |
| DT DeForest Buckner | 62 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 14 QBH, 2 FF | 269 tackles, 28.5 sacks, 74 QBH, 3 FF |
| RB Jonathan Taylor (Rookie) | 320 carries, 2,003 yards, 6.3 avg, 21 TD | 35 carries, 123 yards, 3.5 avg, 1 TD |
Passing: Rivers: 76% (19 of 25, 214 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT 97.8 rating)
Rushing: Taylor (26 carries, 101 yards, 3.9 avg, 1 TD)
Receiving: TE Mo Alie-Cox (5 rec, 111 yards, 1 TD)
Third down: 3-for-11 (27%)
Total offense: 354 yards (151 rushing, 203 passing)
Week 2 vs. Vikings - Defensive Leaders
Tackles: Leonard (6)
Sacks: Buckner (1.5)
Interceptions: CB Kenny Moore, CB T.J. Carrie and S Khari Willis (1)
Third-down defense: MIN went 2-for-9 (22%)
Total defense: Allowed 175 yards (80 rushing, 95 passing)
After evening up their record, the Indianapolis Colts (1-1) are set to play host to the New York Jets (0-2) for a Week 3 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Opening the week as heavy 10.5-point home favorites over the struggling Jets, the Colts put quite a performance on the field in Week 2 against the Vikings. They dominated on the defensive side of the ball while controlling the tempo with the run game. It was truly their blueprint for success.
Here is a quick preview and prediction for the Week 3 matchup, including what the top matchup will be in the bout:
Colts’ keys to victory: The Colts have to stick to their strengths in a matchup they should win easily. With QB Philip Rivers under center, Indianapolis shouldn’t deviate from its desire to run the football. As HC Frank Reich tries to keep the veteran from having too much of a workload, featuring rookie RB Jonathan Taylor behind the elite offensive line will pay off against a struggling Jets defense. Involving pass-catching RB Nyheim Hines early and often will be vital as well. In the passing game, WRs T.Y. Hilton and Michael Pittman Jr. can form a productive duo against a questionable New York secondary.
Defensively, the Colts have to move Sam Darnold off his spot often with pressure from DT DeForest Buckner and DEs Justin Houston and Denico Autry. In the secondary, CB Kenny Moore II must keep Jets WR Jamison Crowder contained in the slot.
Jets’ keys to victory: New York will have to play a near-perfect game to pull off the upset. Third-year QB Sam Darnold has to remain cool in the pocket in order to replicate the upset from the last time these two teams played each other in 2018. With RB Le’Veon Bell on injured reserve, veteran Frank Gore and Kalen Ballage must be efficient with their work in the backfield to keep the offense from being one-dimensional. Among Darnold’s pass-catching options, Crowder and TE Chris Herndon must find ways to create separation against the Colts zone defense.
On defense, DT Quinnen Williams will look to generate pressure while providing push against the run. The secondary will have to focus on limiting explosive plays by the Indy passing game. S Marcus Maye must keep tabs on the Colts’ tight ends and running backs, both of which are heavily involved in the passing game.
Matchup to Watch: Jets DT Quinnen Williams vs. Colts LG Quenton Nelson. Both players are young elite talents at their positions. Williams is a force on the interior against the run and the pass. He can dominate a game up front, while Nelson — who is in only his third season — is arguably the best guard in the NFL.
Who wins? Who Cares!
