When linemen go down, teams can quickly fall out of sync

The Jets are coming off of a spirited effort in a week 12 loss to the Patriots, dropping them to 3-8.

COLTS Luck had a very forgettable 21-37-250-1 TD-3 INT (52.8 QB rating) in Week 2 loss to Jets last season. “Bilal [Powell] is a great change of pace guy, a great third-down back for them averaging 6.4 yards per carry”. Colts QB Andrew Luck expected to play after sitting out last week with concussion.

“Full practice, no restrictions”, Luck said. T.Y. Hilton hurt his back against the Steelers and it’s unknown if he will be available on Monday night. On the surface, that might not seem like a big deal but late in the fourth quarter, Luck has been known to make plays that decide a game. The longtime backup threw for 205 yards and a touchdown, but the Colts were held to only seven points in defeat. He will need another efficient performance to give NY the chance for the upset. Regardless of who the quarterback is, Indianapolis knows there is little margin of error and the visit to MetLife Stadium represents a must-win situation. They met in September 2015 when the Jets came away with a 20-7 road victory. Brandon Marshall just might have a field day if he’s out of the lineup.

At least the offense could be near full strength against the Jets. That starts with a solid evening from Matt Forte. “But they look better than what their stats are on film”.

TIGHT ENDS BREAK OUT: Chan Gailey hasn’t used tight ends much in the passing game in his two seasons as the Jets’ offensive coordinator, with NY getting just eight receptions (Jeff Cumberland, five; Kellen Davis, three) a year ago.

The lone win for NY at MetLife Stadium came over the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens 24-16 in Week 7, although the team did play the New England Patriots tough last Sunday in a 22-17 loss. “They have some really experienced guys, guys that I’ve gone up against and they’ve gone up against me a bunch – whether here or elsewhere”. This is a team that can run the football, stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback. The Jets were supposed to have a dominant front four and we just haven’t seen it. They are in win-now mode and will be getting a huge boost back on Monday night.

The Colts need Luck now more than ever. “They are long. They are athletic”.

If Luck indeed does play Monday, the Colts will have a great chance to knock off the fledgling Jets.