The Seahawks head to New York looking to build on their recent success, having won two in a row over NFC West opponents. The Jets, meanwhile, will welcome the Seahawks to MetLife Stadium while looking to get back on track having lost seven of their past eight games prior to last week's bye, a stretch that has seen the organization make a change at head coach and general manager.
To help you get ready for this week's game and learn more about Seattle's Week 13 opponent, we reached out to newyorkjets.com staff writer John Pullano with five questions about the Jets.
It's been a challenging season for the Jets in a lot of ways, what do they need to do coming out of the bye to get back on track?
Pullano: The Jets will be coming off a bye week when they face the Seahawks in Week 13. And prior to time off, interim HC Jeff Ulbrich had the team conduct a "self-scout." Monday, after the break, he told reporters their biggest takeaway from the review was the lack of explosive plays on offense. Over the first 11 games, the Jets are 19th in explosive play rate (9%) and 18th in explosive pass rate (8%). For the Jets, who have lost 7 of their last 8, to get back on track, QB Aaron Rodgers and Co, need to find a way to stretch the field, create more explosives in the pass game and keep opposing defenses on their heels.
Five of the Jets' eight losses have come by single digit margins, does that give the team hope that they're close to a turnaround, and how do they go about finishing those close games?
Pullano: Closing out games starts with being able to possess the ball and control the clock, and that is easiest done when you can run the ball. Through the first 11 weeks, the Jets rank last in rush attempts (21.3 per game) and have averaged 19.3 attempts during their last three games. They have failed to stay committed to the run despite running it well early. In the first quarter of games this season, the Jets are averaging 6.0 rush attempts, the second fewest in the NFL, despite averaging 4.5 yards per carry, which would rank No. 10 in the NFL over an entire game. Over the final three frames, that average drops to 5.2 attempts per quarter. The Jets are at their best when they get the ball into the hands of RB Breece Hall. Versus Indianapolis in Week 11, the Green & White scored a season-high 27 points and RB Breece Hall had a season-high 23 touches. By running the ball early, the Jets can keep the defenses on their heels and create more play calling flexibility late. Fans should see those results start to flip if the Jets can do that.
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On paper there's a lot of firepower on the Jets' offense, what has kept that unit from performing at a higher level?
Pullano: Consistent execution. In the last month, the offense has shown its firepower in spurts, including a 21-point second half versus Houston in Week 9 and a 20-point second half against Indianapolis in Week 11. But they have failed to consistently compete at the standard the players expect. The Jets offense is littered with All-Pros, Pro Bowlers and young talent, but they have averaged just 18.2 points per game the last 5 weeks. All-Pro Davante Adams and QB Aaron Rodgers attribute the failures to a lack of execution.
Other than the obvious big names, what player or players could you see being an X-factor in this game for the Jets?
Pullano: Rookie RB Braelon Allen has really settled into his role as the season has good along and had a positive impact on the Jets offense, that maybe isn't obvious based on counting stats. Allen, a fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin by the Jets in April's NFL Draft (No. 134), has rushed for 229 yards on 62 attempts and found the end zone 3 times, twice on runs. In recent weeks, Allen has primarily been used in short-yardage situations. Through the last 9 games, he is 9 of 9 on third-and-1- or 2-yard conversion runs. Now playing second fiddle to RB Breece Hall, Allen (6-1, 235) has developed an affinity for the bruising short-yard attempts and been essential to keeping offensive drives alive the past month of games. For the Jets to defend MetLife Stadium, they need to sustain drives and keep the ball away from Seattle's explosive offense, Allen's success on third and fourth down will go a long way.
What matchup or matchups are you most looking forward to seeing play out in Sunday's game?
Pullano: The Jets trio of elite CBs – Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed and nickel Michael Carter II – versus Seattle's lethal WR trio – DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett. Despite a few up-and-down performances by the Jets defense the past month, their sticky coverage in the backend remains their calling card. The Jets secondary ranks second in passing yards allowed (174.9 per game) and second in passing touchdowns allowed (8) despite Gardner, Reed and Carter II combining to miss 5 games this season. With that trio at full strength, the Jets secondary is arguably the best in the league, but they will have their hands full with Metcalf, Smith-Njigba and Lockett, who have combined for 1,947 yards this season and 9 touchdowns despite also missing 2 games from Metcalf. When both trios are full go, Seahawks-Jets makes for must watch TV.
Coaches, players and staff across the league will wear customized cleats in honor of causes that are important to them as part of 'My Cause My Cleats'. Check out the custom cleats that Seahawks players and staff will wear for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats' league-wide initiative.
Seahawks president Chuck Arnold is honoring the American Cancer Society for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on cancer research.
Seahawks Legend Cliff Avril is honoring Champions of Change for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on empowering underserved regions through the power of sport and teamwork.
Seahawks vice president of community & engagement Mario Bailey is honoring Everytown for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating awareness for gun violence.
Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) is honoring the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) is honoring Footprints of Fight for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support to patients and families dealing with pediatric cancer.
Seahawks Lamar Campbell is honoring We Stutter for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support for those who deal with stutters and speech impediments.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) is honoring the Williams Syndrome Association for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating awareness and supporting those who deal with Williams Syndrome.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) is honoring NAMI-Mississippi for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on mental health awareness.
Seahawks tackle McClendon Curtis (66) is honoring the McClendon Curtis Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'.
The Seahawks dancers are honoring Solid Ground for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on homelessness prevention.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) is honoring the Fant Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on youth empowerment.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) is honoring Open Door Mission in Omaha, Nebraska for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing shelter and feeding the less fortunate.
Seahawks assistant special teams coach Devin Fitzsimmons is honoring Maryland Symphony Orchestra for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause honors his brother's love for the orchestra.
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78) is honoring Warrior Rising for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on empowering U.S. military veterans and their families.
Seahawks linebacker Trevis Gipson (50) is honoring Humane Society for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on ending suffering for all animals.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) is honoring Gulfport Memorial Hospital NICU for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause supports the hospital that saved Hall's life during his birth.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) is honoring TABLE NC for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on delivering healthy food and nutrition education to youth in Orange County, NC.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) is honoring Headstrong for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on raising cancer awareness and prevention.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) is honoring Seattle Children's Autism Center for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on autism awareness.
Seahawks linebacker Dre'Mont Jones (55) is honoring the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause supports youth empowerment.
Seahawks Legend Walter Jones is honoring the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on cancer research.
Seahawks offensive assistant Chuckie Keeton is honoring the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on empowering coaches and athletes.
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63) is honoring Mary's Place Seattle for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting and providing necessities to the less fortunate.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) is honoring Just1Mike for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on heart screening awareness and providing AED's to areas of need.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) is honoring the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing relief to the poor and marginalized.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is honoring the RYR-1 Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating support and awareness for those who suffer from RYR1-related diseases.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) is honoring the American Cancer Society and the Puget Sound Association of the Deaf for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. These causes focus on deaf empowerment and cancer research.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) is honoring Seattle Children's Autism Center for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on autism awareness.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) is honoring SOUND and Prison Fellowship for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. These causes support deaf empowerment and prison reform.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) is honoring the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support to patients who suffer from DIPG.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) is honoring the Uchenna Nwosu Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on promoting education, health and wellness to sports minded individuals.
Seahawks offensive passing game coordinator Jake Peetz is honoring the Make-A-Wish Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting children with critical illnesses.
Seahawks running back coach Kennedy Polamalu is honoring the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support to the less fortunate.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) is honoring Life Enrichment Group for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on providing support to youth and their families.
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38) is honoring the Randall Morris Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting the youth.
Seahawks president of football operations/general manager John Schneider is honoring Ben's Fund for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on autism awareness.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) is honoring the Little Warrior Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on cancer awareness.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) is honoring Extended Hands Inc. for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause supports Geno's mother's non profit organization that provides programs and services to empower the community.
Seahawks linebacker Tyreke Smith (59) is honoring the Jed Foundation for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting mental health awareness.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) is honoring Uplifting Athletes for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. The cause focuses on rare disease support.
Seahawks head athletic trainer David Stricklin is honoring Heroes Homestead & NATA for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on supporting veterans and their families.
Seahawks coach Neiko Thorpe is honoring the Alzheimer's Association for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on researching and providing support to those who suffer from Alzheimer's.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) is honoring Le Bonheur Children's Hospital & Everytown for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. These causes focuses on supporting a non profit and raising gun violence awareness.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) is honoring the American Cancer Society for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating awareness and supporting those who deal with breast cancer.
Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams (99) is honoring Water Mission for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on creating safe water solutions across the world.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) is honoring the Lupus Foundation of America for this year's 'My Cause My Cleats'. This cause focuses on lupus awareness and research.
