• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

KANSAS CITY, M.O. – The New York Jets (1-1) are coming off a huge Thursday night win in Buffalo. New York picked up their first AFC East divisional win, 37-31 over the Buffalo Bills. Now the Jets come into their second road match-up in a row, trying to steal a win in Arrowhead Stadium. Arrowhead is arguably one of the toughest places to play in the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs (1-1) will be looking to avenge a 19-12 loss to the Houston Texans.

The key to a Jets second straight win, falls on the shoulders on their work horse Matt Forte. There had been doubts coming into the season about Forte’s health, and if he could still produce at a high level. Forte has shattered those doubts in the first two games of the season. In his first game as a Jet, Forte rushed for 96 yards, and added 59 receiving yards. Against Buffalo last week, Forte rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns. Forte impressively had 30 rushing attempts Thursday, and could see just as many attempts in Week 3.

The Kansas City rush defense has been anything but solid to start the season. The Chiefs rank 30th in the NFL in average rushing yards per game defensively (126.0 YDS/G). Last week against the Texans, Lamar Miller ran for 83 yards and hurt the Chiefs with his chunk yardage runs. Forte is a physical back that can still make some defenders miss. The Jets rely heavily on Forte to chip away at defenses, so that Ryan Fitzpatrick can take advantage of play action situations. If defenses do not respect the run, play action is ineffective and the New York passing game will struggle.

(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes/PureSportsNY) Forte finishing a drill back in Training Camp.
(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes/PureSportsNY) Forte finishing a drill back in Training Camp.

Look for Forte to have at least one touchdown Sunday, and he will definitely have 100+ yards rushing. The key also will be the ability for Forte to be effective in the passing game. Last week, Forte only tallied nine yards on two receptions. Forte should look to have a bounce back game receiving the ball, and will have at least 30 receiving yards Sunday.  If New York can get that production from Forte, then the Jets will get a big win Sunday in Arrowhead.

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

(Featured Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports)

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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