The Jets can run and the Jets can pass. They just can’t do both in the same game. Gang Green has yet to have a 100-yard runner and 200-yard passer in the same game this season.
They opened last Sunday’s game against the Raiders with an empty backfield and Favre hitting TE Chris Baker four times. The drive led to a field goal, but they abandoned that soon enough and turned to the running game. RB Thomas Jones ran for 159 yards (his highest total with the Jets) of the team’s 242 yards on 38 attempts, and Favre threw for 197 yards in a 16-13 loss to the Raiders that didn’t end until there was 2:30 minutes left in overtime.
“Numbers are deceiving, but I know it’s interesting when you look at numbers and you can kind of get caught up in different things,” Favre said. “We are trying to find a balance. No one is at fault here. We have capable guys, not only in the passing game, but we obviously have capable guys in the run game. How we mix the two is a work in progress.”
Expect the Jets to work the ground game again this week when they play host to the Chiefs, who are worst in the NFL against the run. Herm Edwards’ team gives up an average of 207 yards a game on the ground. KC is better against the pass, allowing 195 yards per game, but that could be based on the fact teams usually are ahead of the Chiefs and not forced to throw the ball.
“I’ll tell anyone who listens, I’m here for one reason and that’s to win,” Favre said. “I do not care how we do it. … It’s tough on a head coach. We have to execute, individually, the game plan. There are always better plays out there, regardless. That’s the way it always works. We’ll be fine.”