Despite the box score, the Jets’ offense looked decent against the Ravens in Week 14.

New York moved the ball well, but it failed to capitalize on a couple of quality scoring opportunities. The Steelers will be another tough test, featuring a third-ranked in total defensive DVOA per Football Outsiders and top-five pass and run defense DVOA. The Jets will need to lean on Sam Darnold to execute the offense and find gaps in the defense.

The biggest issue will be pass protection against one of the most ferocious pass rushes in the league. Pittsburgh knows how to get to the quarterback thanks to breakout linebacker T.J. Watt as well as defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and rookie linebacker Devin Bush. If the Jets can give Darnold room to operate behind the line of scrimmage they could find ways to score. 

With that being said, let’s take a look at what it’s going to take for New York’s offense to thrive in Week 16.

Get Sam Darnold going

Without a reliable running game, the Jets need their young quarterback to step up and build sustained drives to put them in a position to put points on the board.

The Jets are significantly better when the passing game is clicking. They’re 5-1 and are averaging 22 points per game when Darnold throws for at least 250 yards. New York 1-6 and with 13.1 points per game when he totals below 250 passing yards.

Darnold looked solid against a tough Ravens defense despite only mustering 14 points. He led the Jets deep into Ravens territory five times, but a missed field goal, a failed fourth-down conversion and an interception took three potential scores off the board. The Steelers provide an equally difficult test as they allow only 204.1 passing yards per game and haven’t allowed at more than 250 passing yards since Week 6.