Special Preview #2- NFL, Week 13
New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings
Jets: They might not admit it, so I can do it for them. They have a Quarterback controversy and will if I ever saw it. First, let me discuss the Zach Wilson situation here because I’ve done it more than enough through the airwaves. I was rubbed the wrong way when he didn’t accept any type of accountability after that game against the Patriots a few weeks back. Your defense did all they could to keep you in the game and the offense couldn’t generate much of anything. Body language in this sport tells me all I need to know, and he appeared to not care. Robert Saleh did the right thing by benching him because this is the only way he will learn. Last week, the Jets played their best game of the year. I understand it was the Chicago Bears and they’ve struggled this year but look how they were able to move the ball down the field with Mike White under center than they have with Zach. That’s saying something to me. This defense is one of my favorite groups to watch and it shouldn’t be a surprise they have one of the best units in the league considering Robert is a defensive minded guy. I said it earlier in the year and I’ll say it again, I’m reminded so much of the Rex Ryan coached Jets. I sense that same physical nature with this group as I did with those teams. Today, they will play in Minneapolis against the leaders of the NFC North.
Vikings: Stop what you’re doing and read this. Kirk Cousins won a primetime game! Following him, everyone just knows he’s struggled significantly in games after the 1 PM window. Everyone’s eyes were on them after winning a big game in Orchard Park against the Buffalo Bills and getting blown out by the Dallas Cowboys a week later at home. I was very curious to see how they’d come out after a loss like that, but they were able to get back on track with a win over the New England Patriots on Thanksgiving night and that was the best I’ve seen Kirk look all year. A few weeks ago, I was asked if the Vikings were a legit threat to make the Super Bowl. I said no and my reasoning is because of their defense. Offense without question is the strong point of the team. Their defense struggles to get off the field and their passing defense is one of the worst in the league. Here’s what’s insane. The Vikings average 23 points a game scoring and that’s the same amount they give up and this is exactly why I put the Eagles (of course), 49ers and Cowboys over them, they’ve already lost to two of the three teams I just listed. The Vikings will win the NFC North. At this point, the division is theirs to lose barring any major collapse. They’re back home again today for a tilt with Robert Saleh’s New York Jets.
Jets X-Factor: Garrett Wilson– He’s becoming a staple of the Jets offense. I followed Garrett back during his college days at Ohio State and I always thought he was such a polished route runner to be so young. At times, he’s looked like a four- or five-year receiver. He knows exactly what to do to free himself from the defender to get open. Garrett appears to be very sure handed when you get him the ball. He knows how to position himself to make the best possible play. He and Mike were on the same page quite often.
Vikings X-Factor: Za’Darius Smith– How the Packers would love to have him now! His impact is obvious on the field. Za’Darius has one specialty and that’s rushing the passer. He prides himself on getting home and impacting the pass. He can make a Quarterback hesitate and make an inept pass. Za’Darius fits in nicely in Minnesota. On the year, he’s recorded 9.5 sacks. I look for him to try and get home to Mike White early and often as possible.
Final Thoughts: I had to make sure I got my hands on this game. With a win, the Vikings will clinch the NFC North for the first time since 2017. The Jets are in the hunt in the AFC Wild Card picture, and this is the start of a tough two-game stretch for them and both games are on the road. The key matchup in this game is Sauce Gardner facing Justin Jefferson, two of the best young stars in our league. This will be a dog fight all game long. Can Mike White keep this offensive momentum going? The Vikings defense is vulnerable, and they can be had. Look at how New England attacked them. The Jets must intensify their efforts here because it will take quite the effort to shut down Justin. I look for New York to attack a Minnesota pass defense that’s been terrible throughout the year, and they play zone most of the time. Those receivers should have a big day. Both teams have played in their share of close games, and I don’t expect anything different in this contest.
Prediction: Jets 27, Vikings 20
