The New York Jets (4-10) are approaching the end of their regular season journey with a matchup at MetLife Stadium against the Los Angeles Rams (8-6) in Week 16.
All week, topics and storylines have been discussed ahead of this battle between cross-conference foes. In the end, regardless of what is said by players, coaches, media outlets and fans, it always comes down to what unfolds on the field in the NFL.
And once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind to look out for.
With that, here are five things to watch for during the Jets’ Week 16 game against the Rams:
Build a trap
USAT
The Rams are looking to win their final three games to secure the 2024 NFC West title. Meanwhile… the Jets. Need we say more? Two teams heading in opposite directions.
However, New York has played better in recent weeks. Despite only winning just last weekend, the Jets have been close in all their games over the past month or so. Could this be a “trap game” for the Rams, who are also traveling across the country for this one?
Will the duo show up again?
USAT
Fresh off that win, the Jets will hope to see the Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams connection continuing. The quarterback and wide receiver flourished against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the team will want more of that… but if these two want to stay in New York beyond this season? They’ll want to make that again happen just as much.
Wait, takeaways?
USAT
Along with the first signs of Rodgers and Adams taking off for the Jets, so did the team’s defense in Week 15. For the first time since interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich took over his post months ago, New York recorded an interception… and added a second.
Doing that again will help the Jets’ chances of making this a trap. But New York also has to worry about a talented passing attack led by playmakers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp at receiver.
Play in the trenches
USAT
While a win is a win, the Jets will want one of their sides of the ball to match the other in the trenches this week.
After the victory in Jacksonville, Rodgers complimented his offensive line. They played well in front of him.
Meanwhile, the defensive front did not do the same. While Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones was sacked twice, on his other 44 passes (46 total attempts), Jones was not hit one time. Most quarterbacks will pick apart a secondary with such time.
Off-field distractions?
imagn
While paid professionals, one can’t blame Jets players if they are pretty distracted this week.
The Jets have announced two interviews relating to their vacant general manager position this week. Thomas Dimitroff and Jon Robinson are those two candidates. Players in New York will be pondering their personal futures.
Not to mention, The Athletic’s bombshell report relating to Jets owner Woody Johnson and “Madden 24” player ratings… a big yikes.