• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

GLENDALE, A.Z. – The New York Jets (1-4) will be facing the Arizona Cardinals (2-3) tonight on Monday Night Football. Gang Green has lost four out of their last five games, and are in desperate need of a win to potentially save their season. Even though Arizona has been struggling to start the season, the Cardinals are still a seven point favorite over New York. Here are four major things to look out for in tonight’s prime time match-up.

4) Will Fitzpatrick finally break out of his funk?

  • Ryan Fitzpatrick has been noticeably struggling to start this season. Fitzpatrick has thrown ten interceptions and just five touchdowns in five games this season.
  • Fitzpatrick is ranked 21st in the NFL for total QBR (55.9) and 30th in completion percentage (57.8).
  • The 12 year veteran has not thrown for more than one touchdown in a game since the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Look for Fitzpatrick to build on their last contest, in which he connected with Brandon Marshall for 114 yards and a touchdown. This is a key and direct connection towards New York’s success. The Jets need Marshall and Fitzpatrick to be on the same page, especially considering Eric Decker has been lost for the year due to injury (shoulder).

3) Will the real Jet defense please stand up?

(Photo Credit: Kathy Willens/Associated Press) The Jet pass rush will need to show up tonight.
(Photo Credit: Kathy Willens/Associated Press) The Jet pass rush will need to show up tonight.
  • New York which pride themselves on the defensive side of the ball, have not played up to their full potential this season. Last season, the Jets had the 4th ranked defense in the NFL. This season, New York has the 11th ranked defense, and is giving up 371.4 yards (22nd in NFL) a game.
  • The Jets are tied for last in the NFL with just two interceptions on the season (Marcus Williams has both).
  • New York’s pass rush hasn’t been as productive, and have only recorded 12 sacks (T-16th in NFL) this season. Last season, the Jets recorded 39 sacks.
  • New York has allowed at least 24 points in each of their last four contests, but look for the streak to stop tonight against Arizona.

2) Will Forte make history tonight?

(Photo Credit: Rich Barnes/Getty Images) Forte has a chance to make history tonight.
(Photo Credit: Rich Barnes/Getty Images) Forte has a chance to make history tonight.
  • If Matt Forte is able to catch a receiving touchdown tonight, he will be the 5th player in NFL history to record 8,000 yards rushing, 4,000 yards receiving and 20 receiving TDs in a career.
  • Forte has yet to catch a touchdown pass this season, but has 13 receptions for 90 yards so far this year.
  • Last game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Cardinals allowed RB Carlos Hyde to have six receptions for 36 yards. Look for Forte to be a big contributor in the passing game tonight.

1) Peterson vs. Marshall

  • The key match-up for tonight will be Patrick Peterson on Marshall. The two players are arguably some of the best their position, and play very physical football.
  • Marshall scored his first touchdown of the season last game, and Peterson has two interceptions on the season.
    • Peterson has not had an interception in the last two games for Arizona.
  • Look for Marshall to show a little more desperation on the road, and get the better of Peterson in this match-up.

EXTRA POINT:

(Photo Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images) The Jets were able to beat the Colts last year on Monday Night Football, 20-7.
(Photo Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images) The Jets were able to beat the Colts last year on Monday Night Football, 20-7.
  • The Jets won their last regular season Monday Night game. (20-7 over the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 21, 2015)

Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732

(Featured Photo Credit: Lee S. Weissman / Lee S. Weissman)

 

 

 

By Barry Holmes

Graduate of Millersville University, with a BS in Communications focused in Broadcast. Senior Writer & Social Media Manager for PureSportsNY.

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