New York Jets NFL Week 8: Matt Forte takes on the Cleveland Browns
The New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Ravens 24-16 in Week 7. Gang Green travels on the road to First Energy Stadium against Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson and quarterback Josh McCown. What is the #1 key to the game in NFL Week 8?
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Jets’ Mangold (ankle) unlikely to play, Lee ruled out again The New York Jets might be without the man in the middle of their offensive line. Center Nick Mangold appears unlikely to play Sunday at Cleveland because of a sprained right ankle that has him in a walking boot. ”It doesn’t look good right now,” coach Todd Bowles said Thursday |
| Source: sports.yahoo.com/news/jets-mangold-ankle-unlikely-play-lee-ruled-again-202300696–nfl.html | |
Matt Forte vs Browns Defense
New York Jets running back Matt Forte rushed for 100 yards on 30 attempts and 1 rushing touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. Although Baltimore had the 2nd ranked defense versus the run, he was able to find holes between the tackles frequently. He also chipped in with 4 receptions for 54 yards including the pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick on a screen play for a 13 yard TD.
This week, Matt will face an NFL team with one of the worst defenses against the run. After 7 games, the Browns have given up 979 total rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs to opposing running backs. Their defense is surrendering 139.9 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry. Plus, RBs have run long plays of 20 yards or more 6 times and 3 times has Cleveland given up long running plays of 40+ yards. Only the San Francisco 49ers rank worse than Ohio in all defensive categories. After touching the football 22 times for 96 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals and 30 times for 96 yards with 3 TDs against the Buffalo Bills, Forte looks to run over the 31st ranked run defense.
The Jets RB needs to carry the ball more than 20 times to be able to get in a rhythm and take advantage of a major weakness on Cleveland. Not only can Matt run the ball on them but he can also act like a receiver out of the backfield for Ryan Fitzpatrick. In this way, Fitzpatrick doesn’t have to throw the ball more than 40 times in a game like he did versus the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks.
Matt Forte has a favorable matchup against the Cleveland Browns. He can also contribute by being an outlet receiver for Fitzpatrick on passing downs. With Gang Green’s offensive line opening up running lanes for him against the porous defense of Ohio, Matt can carry the Jets to victory on his back.
