Jets vs. Titans: Breaking Down New York's Game Plan

A matchup between two 2-11 teams is not going to garner much national attention, but that does not mean these players and coaches still do not have a lot on the line in these final three games, defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson articulately depicts (via Daryl Slater of NJ Advance Media):

It is only a matter of time until the New York Jets part ways with Rex Ryan, but that does not mean anything they put on film can be thrown out. These final meaningless weeks reveal a lot about the character of individual players and a team as a whole. 

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans may share the same record, but they are in a much different place as a franchise. Ken Wisenhunt is closing in on his first year on the job. While "secure" is not the best word to describe his job status, the Titans are rebuilding their program—the Jets are about to hit the "reset" button. 

The absence of rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger does take some allure out of this game, but perhaps Jake Locker, whose contract expires after the season, can have a strong-enough end of the season to put himself in a position to compete for a job next year. 

Here is a game plan the Jets can follow to ensure they send out Ryan with at least one more win before season's end. 

Contain Jake Locker

USA TODAY Sports

Locker has been far too inconsistent as a passer for the Titans to justify signing him to an extension, but his effectiveness with his legs can drive defenses crazy if it's not played correctly. With 637 career rushing yards, 35 first downs and five touchdowns, Locker's running ability makes him a unique player to defend. 

Therefore, rushing Jake Locker as if he was a traditional, pocket passer is just asking for Locker to rack up rushing yards and convert easy first downs. Last week, the New York Giants learned a quick lesson in how dangerous Locker can be if he is treated like a classic, dropback passer. 

The Giants set up as if they are going to blitz—a likely attempt to trick Locker into throwing an early pass, as the Giants immediately back out and rush four after the ball is snapped. 

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

Locker, however, is not fooled and goes through his progressions as normal. The Giants, however, rush right by Locker as if they were still playing against the relatively immobile Zach Mettenberger. 

A running lane opens up, and Locker takes advantage with a 21-yard gain. 

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

In fairness to the Giants, they had practiced all week expecting to play against Mettenberger, who left the game with an injury. Locker's mobility took them by surprise. 

The Jets, however, will not be afforded the same excuse. They must control their rushes, keeping Locker in front of him at all times. With a five-to-seven touchdown-to-interception ratio on the season, the Jets would much prefer to see Locker take a chance through the air than take off in the open field. 

A running quarterback can present a ton of problems for a defensive coordinator. If Locker rips off a few big runs early, it can slow down the rest of the defense and force the Jets to use extra defenders to "spy" Locker. A defensive mind like Ryan would much prefer to prepare against a traditional pocket passer (especially a rookie in Mettenberger) than a mobile veteran in Locker.

Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean expressed disappointment in Mettenberger not being able to play:  

Test Coty Sensabaugh

After placing rookie cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson on injured reserve, the Jets are all but obligated to take shots against the player who was unable to beat out a struggling rookie in Coty Sensabaugh. A fourth-round pick in 2012, Sensabaugh has spent most of his time covering the slot, but he will be forced to play on the outside against the likes of Eric Decker. 

Percy Harvin's low ankle sprain will likely keep him out of the lineup for this matchup, and the Titans will likely keep him matched up against Decker as little as possible playing in a new situation. However, the Jets have options on their roster to take advantage of a player accustomed to playing on the inside.

Speedster T.J. Graham, who caught a long touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, should be able to get open against a slot-type corner in Sensabaugh. Graham is a bit of a one-trick pony, but it may take just one "trick" to put the Jets over the top in this otherwise-tight matchup. 

Even before the forced position switch, Sensabaugh was not playing at a high level, especially as of late as statistics provided by Pro Football Focus indicate. He yields far too many completions and rarely is in position to break up a pass, never mind force a turnover. 

Thrown At	Receptions Allowed	Completion Percentage	Passes Defended	Interceptions	QB Rating
36	27	75.0	1	0	94.1

If Geno Smith is aware enough to take advantage of this weakness in the Titans defense, his turnover-happy ways may finally start to recede. 

Keep Sheldon Richardson Inside

Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

With Muhammad Wilkerson sidelined, Sheldon Richardson is, by far, the most dominant player on the Jets roster that is capable of taking over games on the interior of the defensive line. 

However, while he made several plays in last week's game against the Minnesota Vikings on outside stunts, the Jets need to take advantage of the massive matchup advantage they have on the interior where the Titans are struggling to protect. 

Both veteran guard Andy Levitre and top-10 draft selection Chance Warmack have struggled mightily in pass protection. It comes as no coincidence that both of the Titan's starting quarterbacks have missed time due to injuries this season. 

Player	Position	Hurries Allowed	Hits Allowed	Sacks Allowed
Andy Levitre	LG	18	1	6
Chance Warmack	RG	23	2	2

The Jets do not need to overthink this equation for success. Matching up Richardson on either Levitre or Warmack, especially in obvious passing situations, is an easy choice. Putting him in a "3-technique" position (between the guard and the tackle) to give him single-gap responsibilities will give him the highest chance of wrecking whatever offensive game plan the Titans put together.

The Jets put Sheldon in this exact position on his safety early in the fourth quarter (although he ultimately would stunt and rush from the outside). 

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

The Jets have plenty of matchup advantages in this game (for once) to come away with a win. As long as they play disciplined defense against Locker, while taking advantage of the weaknesses on the equally-dismal Titans' roster, they stand a good chance to get their third win of the season.  

Advanced statistics provided by Pro Football Focus (subscription required).