The New York Jets are heading into Week 13 after dropping last week’s game in the fourth quarter…again. However, there were certainly some great positives that came out of the loss.

Competing against a Carolina team who has been red hot, the Jets were able to hang in there for three and a half quarters. A massive part of that was on the defense, which held up for most of the game. In matter of fact, the final two touchdowns were a off a turnover from Josh McCown and a punt return. Got to cut the defense some slack.

Heading into this week, there are a few keys on both sides of the ball if the Jets hope to overcome the Chiefs. In that regard, the Jets will need to focus on winning the turnover battle and getting to the opposing quarterback. But how can they find a way to accomplish that? These are the guys that will make or break the Jets chances:

Offense: Josh McCown

This season has been a career year for McCown and it’s largely been because he’s been crisp, accurate and confident. He’s altered the Jets quarterback culture by letting the duke fly to his young receiving corps with Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse. Behind them are Jeremy Kerley and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who are both contributing very strongly as well.

This Sunday will be crucial for Jets OC John Morton and McCown. It is going to be about taking care of the football against a struggling secondary. You’d have to expect that there will be some great shots down the field similarly to last week. The Jets had 307 passing yards and took a few home run gambles late in the game against Carolina.

If McCown can continue his simple, risk free short passing game early on, it would be silly not to think that Anderson or Kearse could get on the end of a long ball. It would also open up the doors for a versatile playbook, including the running game.

Defense: Darron Lee

The second year man from Ohio State is balling in the back half of the season. After some question marks were raised early on about his production, his turn-around has been constructed by fantastic tackling and shooting the gaps. His newly found ability to get to opposing running backs has provided yardage back for the defense.

Last week #58 had six tackles (one TFL) as well as a sack. It was a perfect example of him showing his resiliency for the outstanding player he is turning himself into. The Jets have worked Lee to be in tandem with Demario Davis who continues to play the MIKE LB, ultimately freeing Lee up to play a more expansive role.

This Sunday, look for Lee in coverage as well with Kansas City having a few good receiving options. It will be a nice challenge for Lee to test out his cover skills and expand on his growing potential. Be on the lookout for a tremendous battle and don’t be surprised when D. Lee gets the job done.

 – Sean Walsh is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on

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