Three keys to a Jets win over the Bears – The Denver Post

1. GET GROUND GAME ESTABLISHED

All eyes will be on Mike White, as Sunday will be his first start of the 2022 season. However, the Jets need to get the rushing attack going to take pressure off White and the team’s passing game.

In the 10-3 loss against the Patriots, the Jets only rushed for 59 yards and averaged 2.6 yards per carry. Since Breece Hall was lost for the season due to an ACL injury, Gang Green has only one game where its rushed for over 100 yards.

Both Michael Carter and James Robinson will need to be huge factors against a Bears defense that’s 29th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game [142.6]. If Carter and Robinson can run the ball similar to when they registered 174 yards, White and the Jets offense should be in good shape in the second half.

2. PRESSURE FIELDS EARLY AND OFTEN

Bears quarterback Justin Fields comes into Sunday’s game less than 100%. He told reporters earlier this week that he separated his left shoulder and has partially torn ligaments.

Fields suffered the injury in the 27-24 loss to the Falcons last weekend. Now he will go against a Jets defense that has been known to put consistent pressure on quarterbacks.

Against the Patriots, the Jets recorded six sacks on quarterback Mac Jones. Gang Green is tied for fourth in the league in sacks [32]. Fields’ legs are an x-factor, so it will be up to the Jets defensive line to minimize his running ability by hitting him behind the line of scrimmage before he gets positive yardage.

3. WHITE NEEDS TO BE AVERAGE

No one expects White to turn into a Pro Bowl quarterback after replacing Zach Wilson. However, the Jets need White to provide plays and make the correct reads in the offense, something Wilson failed to do in a majority of his seven starts this season.

Gang Green had two offensive yards after halftime against the Patriots and 77 total passing yards for the entire game. Chicago is eighth in the NFL in passing yards allowed and has 15 takeaways, so the Jets will face another stingy pass defense for the second consecutive week.

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