Leon Washington may be leaving the Jets? WTF

The way the Jets have been acting of late, it makes you wonder if they’re planning a radical shift in their “ground and pound” offensive strategy and are going to have Mark Sanchez conducting the run-and-shoot.

The Jets are treating their rushing attack, ranked No. 1 in the NFL in 2009, as if they want to dismantle it and start over.

Just days after the Jets informed Thomas Jones, their leading rusher the last three seasons, that they’re going to release him, they now have left Leon Washington dangling for another team to sign him away.

The Jets yesterday issued Washington, their second leading rusher and a restricted free agent, to just a second-round tender offer. It means if another team wants to sign Washington, and the Jets don’t match the offer, that team would have to give Gang Green only a second-round draft pick as compensation.

For a former Pro Bowl player who’s a difference-maker on offense and special teams as an explosive returner, that doesn’t seem like a very high price.

Predictably, Washington’s agent, Alvin Keels, delivered this message on his Twitter account yesterday tweaking the Jets:

“Expect there to be a market for Leon during free agency and would say his return to the Jets will be 50/50 at best at this point,” Keels tweeted.

Keels, further pushing the Jets’ buttons, added of Washington, who’s recovering from a compound fracture in his right leg: “He is ahead of schedule while rehabbing from his week 7 injury. He will be 100% healthy and ready for camp either in NY or elsewhere.”

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KRM, March 4th 2010 | Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Jets Preview, NFL, Random Stache', Scandalous, Sports

What the Jets need to do…(Part 1)

Because of young players like Shonn Greene Jets fans have a lot to be excited about in 2010

Now that the 2009-2010 NFL season has officially come to a close it’s time to start thinking about what our local teams need to do to get better next year.  We will start with the Jets, who have a solid nucleus returning and should once again see themselves in the hunt for an AFC playoff spot.  Now as a Giants fan I feel like I can look at this objectively and say without bias where this Jets team is lacking, which is exactly what I’m going to do.  We will have the same report coming up in regards to the Giants within the next few days followed by many updates throughout the off-season.

Need #1: Get an edge rusher via free agency or the Draft

The 2009-2010 season introduced us to a Jets defense that was just filthy.  But even as good as the Jets defense once it still has some glaring holes that were not talked so much about while the Jets were making their run, which was usually due to the fact that the announcers and reporters were too busy sucking Darrelle Revis’ dick.  The only real thing lacking from the Jets defense this year was a presence on the edge.  Because this D was so good we rarely heard about this, but it is a legitimate need.  Now let me first say that anyone who is still holding out hope that this player could be Vernon Gholston is either in denial or jest retarded.  Gholston was a mistake, it happens, and believe me the Jets were not the only team that believed in him so you really can’t even kill the management for that one.  Just chalk Gholston up as one of those bad picks that happens and lets move on.  But just to emphasize how bad Gholston really is for a moment:  Rex Ryan’s runs a defense that is based on getting to the QB and killing him at every possible opportunity, so the fact that this kid cannot even get on the field for a few plays a game when this is essentially what he was drafted to do tells you everything you need to know about Gholston.  There are two ways the Jets can go about bringing in some help at D end, through the draft or through free agency.  If the Jets are going to bring in a D End through the Draft lets just hope they are smart enough to draft a kid who has played in the 3-4 in college, and more importantly has had success rushing the QB from the 3-4 defense.

If the Jets are going to go the other way and get a proven edge rusher to compliment their defense through free agency lets take a look at some of the obvious candidates:

Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers

Aaron Kampman, Green Bay Packers

Leonard Little, St. Louis Rams

Adewale Ogunleye, Chicago Bears

These are the most obvious candidates.  I had to put Julius Peppers on this list because he is the best D end available, although I’m sure most Jets fans would agree that paying Julius the kind of money he is going to get does not seem to fit in with the direction the Jets are going, but do not be surprised to see any of these other guys suiting up for the Jets in 2010.

Need #2 Get a veteran QB to backup Sanchez

This is the most obvious of the Jets off-season needs.  After a good rookie year Mark Sanchez gave Jets fans hope that they may have finally found the franchise QB that they have been looking for for a very long time.  But with a win-now type of team, especially on Defense, the Jets cannot afford to lose Sanchez, who was banged up in the middle of the season, for any stretch.  Getting a legitimate backup QB that could not only step in and win games if Sanchez missed some time next year is not only important it is crucial.   We all know how close this division is going to be next year so 1 game could be the difference between making the post season and going home, which makes a move like this that much more important.  The two most obvious choices right now seem like Chad Pennington and Kerry Collins.  Both are guys who have played in the meadowlands, and who could help Sanchez develop.  In my opinion Pennington is the better choice, not only because of his ties to the organization but also because he can teach Sanchez a lot more than Kerry Collins drunk ass ever could.  I’m not sure if Chad is still a little salty after being ran out of town for Brett Favre prior to the 2008-2009 season but it seems pretty obvious that Chad Henne has solidified himself, at least for now, as the starter in Miami.  So for Chad to stand on the sideline for a few years, holding the clipboard, and making a nice chunk of change, seems like a perfect fit.  There will definitely be more to come on this as we get deeper into the off-season.

so stay tuned…..

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KRM, February 9th 2010 | Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Jets Preview, NFL, Random Stache', Sports, TV

The Jets Are #1

MIAMI — New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has apologized for giving the middle finger at Miami Dolphins fans at a mixed martial arts event Saturday night in Sunrise, Florida.  A photo of Ryan flipping the bird to boisterous Dolphin fans was captured by a cell phone camera.

“It was stupid and inappropriate,” Ryan said in a statement released by the club. “I wouldn’t accept that type of behavior from one of the coaches or players and it’s unacceptable from me. I apologize to the Jets organization, the National Football League and NFL fans everywhere.”

The MMA event featured former NFL running back Herschel Walker making his debut and was televised by Showtime.  Ryan elicited loud boos from the crowd when a ringside Showtime interview was shown on the Bank Atlantic Center video scoreboard.  “I’d like to thank everybody here in Miami. I know they love me,” Ryan said with a grin.

I love you Rex Ryan.  Fuck those Dolphin fans.

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Shamus O'Cabbage, February 1st 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , ,
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NFL Playoffs: AFC Championship Preview

New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts

Sunday, January 24th 3:00 pm EST

Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN)

Here we go Jets fans.  Our first AFC Championship appearance since 1998 and I don’t think the story could’ve been written any better.  The Jets (11-7) will face off with the perennial powerhouse, Indianapolis Colts (15-2), at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday for a chance to play in Super Bowl XLIV.  The two teams met back in week 16 in a controversial game in which the Jets ended the Colts run at an undefeated season.  With home field advantage already secured, Colts head coach Jim Caldwell pulled Peyton Manning and the other starters early in the second half with the Colts leading 15-10.  The Jets took full advantage, scoring 19 unanswered points to win the game 29-15 and end the Colts regular-season win streak at 23 games.  While he never publicly questioned his coach, you could just tell by his body language on the sidelines that Peyton Manning wasn’t particularly happy with the decision and he’ll be motivated on Sunday to avenge the loss.  On the other side, the Jets have had to listen to various critics talk about how the Colts handed them a victory and how they wouldn’t be in the playoffs if they hadn’t.  Led by stellar defensive play and a ball control offense, the Jets have played motivated football since and have already proven that they belong and that their appearance in the AFC Championship is no fluke.

The Colts made it to the AFC Championship by knocking off the Ravens 20-3 in their divisional match up last Saturday.  Manning went 30 of 44 for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns in the game, completing 12 passes for 73 yards to his top targets, WR Reggie Wayne and TE Dallas Clark.  But it wasn’t just the offense that impressed, as the Colts defense held the Ravens to just 276 yards of total offense.  The Jets earned their right to play for the AFC title by defeating the Bengals 24-14 in the opening round and moving past the Chargers last Sunday by a score of 17-14.  Mark Sanchez has been able to limit his turnovers down the stretch (1 INT in his last 4 games) and manage the offense well.  He understands the game plan behind the Jets “run first” philosophy, which only helps to alleviate the pressure off the young rookie.  Fellow rookie, Shonn Greene, has seen an increased role with Thomas Jones slowed by a knee injury, having rushed for 420 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Jets last 4 games.  The Colts ranked just 24th against the run during the regular season, but they managed to hold Ray Rice and a potent Ravens rushing attack to just 87 yards last week.  The rest given to the Colts starters down the stretch, in addition to coming off a first round bye, really showed on the defensive side of the ball in that game.  The Jets, on the other hand, have basically been playing for their lives for the last 4 weeks and have had to scrap their way to get to this game.  The defense is a bit banged up, but they’ve been playing lights out and will need to be at their best if they have any chance of beating Indy.  Darrelle Revis will be locked up with Reggie Wayne for most of the game, but look for Rex Ryan to disguise the coverages in an attempt to confuse Peyton Manning and the Colts receivers.

Bottom Line:

The Jets defense should have no problem making the Colts offense one dimensional.  The Colts have eclipsed the 100 yard rushing mark only once in their last 11 games, including a pathetic 25 yards on 16 carries vs the Ravens last week.  This will allow Rex Ryan to use an extra defender to help cover TE Dallas Clark instead of committing a safety to run support.  The Jets will also blitz and blitz often.  In the first two rounds, the Jets blitzed Carson Palmer and Phillip Rivers 60% of the time.  They may want to decrease that number somewhat on Sunday, as Peyton Manning has completed an astounding 68% of his passes against the blitz this season.  Manning is too cerebral and the fact that he’s seen this Jets defense before is more of an advantage for him than any other player on the field.  This is why Rex Ryan must disguise his coverages and schemes all game long and keep Manning guessing.  RB’s Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones will need to come up big in this game to control the clock and limit the opportunities for Sanchez to make mistakes, while also keeping the Colts offense off the field.  The Colts defense is very fast and physical and they’re a big reason why they’ve made it to the AFC Championship game.  DE’s Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney are one of the best pass rushing tandems in the league.  If the Colts can slow the Jets rushing attack and force Sanchez into third and long situations, Mathis and Freeney will make it a long day for the Jets offense.  But if the Jets can move the ball on the ground as they’ve been able to do against good defenses all year, and the defense can limit the scoring opportunities for the Colts, they will be in position to win this game.  Despite my Super Bowl prediction of Vikings vs Colts, I’m going with the underdog J-E-T-S in this one.  Rex Ryan has them believing they can win this game and I believe too!

Prediction:  Jets  17  Colts 16

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Jsunfella, January 22nd 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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How Else Do You Motivate a Big Fat Guy?

Jets coach Rex Ryan loves two things–coaching football and eating food.

And judging by his team’s success, and the size of his ass, he’s pretty damn good at both.

I like Ryan.  He’s brash, quotable, likable and highly-motivated.  Plus he’s a bigger fatass than I am, which I also find appealing.

And now he’s got even more motivation to beat the Colts in the upcoming AFC Championship game.

Food.

More specifically, Ryan has been offered a seat in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest should his Jets advance to the Super Bowl this coming Sunday.  That’s right, you could see Rex Ryan shoving soaking wet hot dogs down his gullet beside competitive eating giants Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut.

Because that’s exactly what a 350 lb man who consumes 7000 calories a day needs–more hog anus.

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KRM, January 22nd 2010 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Celebs, Jets Preview, Random Stache', Sports, TV

San Diego is German for “a whale’s vagina”

Make no mistake about it: this is the Jets year.  But I’m not going to rub it in your face just yet.  I’m going to wait until they beat the Colts next weekend.  And after they beat the Colts I’m going to travel to Miami to see my team deliver the first championship in 40 years.  There’s going to be hookers and blow and garlands of fresh herbs.  And after the Jets win we will dance til the sun rises.  And then the hookers and I will form a band.  And we will tour the countryside and you won’t be invited.

That first week after the Superbowl is going to be tough for you.  The FAN is going to be flooded with calls from obnoxious Jets fans.  Your Mothers Mustache is going to have a daily article spotlighting the greatness of Darrelle Revis.  ESPN is going to be all over Rex Ryan’s nuts.  There’s going to be a ticker tape parade, and the streets are going to be flooded with green jerseys.  Every local paper will have a 10 page pullout to commemorate the Jets 2009 season.  Time will pass, and the hysteria surrounding the Jets will slowly fade with the start of baseball and March Madness.  And then, 5 months later, when you least expect it, I’m going to show up on your front lawn with 8 of my buddies, hammered, belligerent and chanting in full Jets gear, and we’re going to once again remind you about that 4 week stretch in January and February when you were licking our gang green sacks on a daily basis.  And it’s going to be fucking sweet.

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Dubbs, January 18th 2010 | Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in NFL, Random Stache', Sports

Jets Week 14 Preview: Jets @ Buccaneers

revis

New York Jets @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Raymond James Stadium:  1:00 EST Sunday, December 13th

The Jets (6-6) need a win in Tampa Bay on Sunday if they’re to have any chance of keeping their dwindling playoff hopes alive.  They can’t afford to have a let down game against a Buccaneers team that has only 1 victory on the year (1-11).  This game was supposed to feature a battle between two rookie QB’s who were drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft.  However, Mark Sanchez is expected to miss the game with a knee injury.  It was the Bucs’ rookie, Josh Freeman, who made headlines when he said shortly after the draft that he thought he was a better option at QB than Mark Sanchez.  It’s too bad that Sanchez won’t have a chance to go out and make Freeman eat his words and prove why he was in fact the first QB taken in the draft.  Instead it will be Kellen Clemens at the helm for the Jets, so this will be a week the Jets will need to lean on their running game and defense even more so than they have throughout the season.

JETS OFFENSE VS BUCCANEERS DEFENSE:

As they have for several weeks now, the Jets enter Sunday’s game as the top ranked rushing offense in the NFL.  Last week against Buffalo, they averaged an astounding 5.8 yards per carry en route to over 200 yards rushing on the day.  Thomas Jones is having another excellent season, having eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing for the 5th straight year, and rookie Shonne Greene has turned into a solid spell back to Jones as well.  With Clemens behind center, the Jets will look to run the ball all game long.  The Bucs defense enters the game 2nd to last in rushing defense, allowing 160.1 rushing yards per game at a clip of 4.8 yards per carry against.  But they’ve been somewhat better in recent weeks since Head Coach Raheem Morris took over as defensive coordinator.  Their main concern has got to be to plug up the gaps and stop Thomas Jones from finding room beyond the line of scrimmage.  All in all, the Bucs defense could pose a challenge for Clemens and the offense, so the Jets need to stay disciplined and execute the game plan if they’re to have success.

EDGE:  JETS OFFENSE

BUCCANEERS OFFENSE VS JETS DEFENSE:

While the Buccaneers defense has shown improvement over the past few games, the offense has sputtered.  Last week against the Panthers, the Bucs had 8 red zone opportunities but only came away with 6 points to show for it.  QB Josh Freeman threw 3 of his 5 interceptions within the red zone and kicker Connor Barth missed field goals from 36 and 42 yards respectively.  Freeman has been his own worst enemy this season, failing to look defenders off and constantly trying to squeeze throws into tight spots.  The Bucs running game hasn’t produced for much of the year, but Cadillac Williams did muster 92 yards on 17 carries against the Panthers.  The Bucs enter the game vs. the Jets ranked 21st in rushing and 23rd in passing offense.  They’ll be matched up against a Jets team ranked 2nd in the NFL in overall defense, allowing just 276.4 total yards per game.  The Jets have been better against the pass than the run and most of why that is centers around the play of superstar CB Darrelle Revis.  I swear that sometimes I feel like there are 3 guys wearing #24 out there on defense, the guy is everywhere.  If the Jets defense can continue their dominant ways, they should easily escape Tampa Bay with a victory.

EDGE:  JETS DEFENSE

BOTTOM LINE:

The Jets are a much better team on paper and they need this game a lot more than the Bucs do.  But despite their record, the Bucs have shown improvement in the last few weeks and as Jets fans can attest, this has the all the makings of a “let down” game, especially with Clemens starting at quarterback.  Still, I think the Jets defense is too good and I can’t see the Bucs getting many scoring opportunities in this one.

Prediction:  Jets  17 Buccaneers 9

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Jsunfella, December 10th 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Random Stache'

Rex Ryan asking Yankees for help with Sanchez

rexatyankgame

NY Post – In what will go down as one of the most unique behind-the-scenes moments in Jets history, Joe Girardi visited practice yesterday and helped teach Mark Sanchez some sliding techniques. Making the visit most surreal is the fact Rex Ryan called Yankees president Randy Levine yesterday morning and asked him if he could send someone over to help give his rookie quarterback some sliding tips.

This is definitely not the type of news you expect to come out of Jets practice but I guess it kind of makes sense in a way.  If Rex Ryan is really concerned about Sanchez’ sliding or lack there of  getting him injured then it cannot hurt to get some tips from someone who knows how to slide.

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KRM, December 2nd 2009 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Celebs, Fantasy Football, Jets Preview, NFL, Random Stache', Sports, TV

Jets Week 8 Preview: Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets

Mission for the Jets defense: Stop these two!!

Mission for the Jets defense: Stop these two!!

MATCHUP BREAKDOWN:

JETS RUNNING GAME vs. MIAMI D:

Thomas Jones has turned it around after a slow start to the season.  In the Jets last two games he has rushed for 331 yards on 48 carries (6.9 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns.  In their last meeting with the Dolphins, however, Jones finished with only 42 yards on 13 carries, but did rush for 2 touchdowns in the game.  The Jets lost Leon Washington, their most dynamic back, to a season ending leg injury in week 7’s win vs. Oakland and were forced to turn to rookie Shonn Greene as a spell back to Thomas Jones.  Greene did not disappoint and in fact he was fantastic, rushing for 144 yards on 19 carries and 2 touchdowns.  As a team, the Jets are ranked 1st in the NFL is rushing, averaging an astounding 184.9 yards per game.  On the flip side, the Dolphins are ranked 4th in the NFL in run defense, allowing an average of 86.7 rushing yards per game.

SLIGHT EDGE:  JETS RUNNING GAME

JETS PASSING GAME vs. MIAMI D:

The Jets managed to take a lot of pressure off Mark Sanchez last week by running the ball 50 times from scrimmage as compared to only 15 pass plays.  Sanchez also managed to protect the ball, going an entire game without a turnover for the first time since the Jets and Dolphins met back in week 5.  He finished 9 of 15 for 143 yards and a touchdown and looked a lot more comfortable then he had in the Jets’ previous 3 games.  In their last meeting with Miami, Sanchez finished 12 of 24 for 172 yards and a score.  The Jets will have a “run-heavy” approach again in this one, but with how good Miami is against the run, Sanchez will need to make plays in the passing game to keep the defense honest.  On the year, Miami’s defense is ranked 19th against the pass, allowing an average of 233.5 passing yards per game.  Jerricho Cotchery, who has missed the Jets’ last two games with a hamstring injury, is expected to start alongside newly acquired receiver, Braylon Edwards, for the first time.  Veteran safety, Will Allen, will miss the game for Miami after suffering a season-ending knee injury last week vs. New Orleans.

EDGE:  EVEN

MIAMI RUNNING GAME vs. JETS D:

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams might be the best one-two punch of running backs in the NFL and it would be hard to pose an argument against such a claim.  In just 6 games this season, the two have managed to rack up a combined 887 yards on the ground with 12 touchdowns.  In Miami’s week 5 win vs. the Jets, they combined for 142 rushing yards on 32 carries with 2 touchdowns, as well as 6 receptions for 80 yards.  They completely overmatched a Jets defense that had no answer for the vaunted “Wildcat” formation.  This time around, Jets coach Rex Ryan will have his team prepared with a much better game plan, which in turn should translate into much more success stopping the “Wildcat” package.  The Dolphins rank 2nd to the Jets in rushing offense with 170.3 yards per game, while the Jets fall in at 22nd in rush defense, giving up an average of 116.1 yards per game.  The Jets will win this game if they can limit Miami’s rushing attack.

EDGE:  MIAMI RUNNING GAME

MIAMI PASSING GAME vs. JETS D:

Chad Henne was nearly flawless against the Jets in week 5.  He threw for 241 yards with 2 touchdowns and didn’t turn the ball over once.  Henne has been relatively solid overall since taking over for an injured Chad Pennington in week 3, but struggled last week vs. the Saints.  He had 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns in the 2nd half alone and failed to throw a touchdown in the game.  Miami’s struggles in the passing game aren’t all on Henne, as his receivers, mainly Ted Ginn Jr, have had issues recently with dropped passes as well.  The Jets will need to get a lot more pressure on Henne than they were able to get in the first matchup.  They didn’t record a single sack in that game and in fact, the Jets have only 8 sacks on the year, which ranks near the bottom of the league.  It’s important that the Jets get Henne out of his comfort zone.  If Calvin Pace can repeat his performance from a week ago, they just might be able to do that.

EDGE:  JETS PASS DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS:

The loss of Leon Washington is a huge blow to the Jets return game.  Although he wasn’t particularly spectacular returning kicks this season, he had the ability to change the game in a blink of an eye on special teams and that’s something the Jets will no longer have.  The Jets were able to sign their old friend Justin Miller after the Raiders waived him and it is Miller who will assume kick return duties in Washington’s absence.  A pro bowl kick returner for the Jets in 2006, Miller is probably the perfect replacement for Leon Washington.  Despite having a dangerous punt returner in Ted Ginn Jr, the Dolphins average just 8.8 yards per punt return, good for 14th in the league.  They’re not much better on kick returning, ranked 22nd in the league with an average of 22.0 yards per return.  Both punters, Steve Weatherford for the Jets and Brandon Fields for the Dolphins, will try to pin their opponents deep in their own zone in a game in which field position will be of utmost importance. 

EDGE:  EVEN

BOTTOM LINE:

The Jets simplified their game plan for Sanchez vs. Oakland and I expect them to stick with that approach vs. Miami.  If Sanchez can play turnover-free football, the Jets will have a very good chance of winning the game.  While it might be hard to completely shut down the Wildcat, the Jets will need to at least slow it down.  And when Miami sets up in their base offense with Chad Henne under center, it is vital that the Jets get to him and force the pressure.  I expect the Jets to come out with revenge on their minds after getting whooped in Miami a few weeks back.  Rex Ryan will make adjustments based on their previous matchup that will the Jets the edge in this one.  My prediction:

JETS  23  DOLPHINS  16

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Jsunfella, October 30th 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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NFL Week 7 Preview: New York Jets @ Oakland Raiders

The Jets will need to lean on Thomas Jones in Oakland on Sunday to keep the pressure off a struggling Mark Sanchez.

The Jets will need to lean on Thomas Jones against the Raiders in Oakland on Sunday to keep the pressure off a struggling Mark Sanchez.

New York Jets @ Oakland Raiders

Sunday-  October 25th, 2009

Venue:  Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

MATCHUP BREAKDOWN:

JETS RUNNING GAME vs. OAKLAND D

Thomas Jones rushed for a franchise record 210 yards on 22 carries in the Jets week 6 loss to the Bills.  If it wasn’t for Jones’ 71 yard touchdown run, the Jets would only have mustered 2 field goals against a poor Buffalo defense.  The Jets will need to lean on Jones again vs. the Raiders and he shouldn’t disappoint against a defense ranked 28th against the run.  Leon Washington, who recorded a season-high 99 yards on the ground last week, will get his share of work in the running game as usual.  I can see the Jets running the ball over 60% of the time on Sunday, so both backs should have every opportunity to be productive and build on last week’s success.  As a team, the Jets are ranked 2nd in the NFL with an average of 163.0 rushing yards per game.  Right tackle Damien Woody is listed as questionable for the game due to knee and foot injuries.

EDGE:  JETS RUNNING GAME

JETS PASSING GAME vs. OAKLAND D

Mark Sanchez couldn’t have played any worse than he did last week.  When you throw 5 interceptions and your team loses by just a field goal in overtime, it’s pretty clear that your play had a direct effect on the outcome of the game.  Obviously Sanchez shouldn’t shoulder all the blame, but it harps on a point I made in one of the first previews of the year which is that the Jets will only go as far as their rookie signal caller will take them.  Hopefully, Sanchez can begin to turn things around this week against a Raiders team ranked 16th in pass defense.  He will need to keep his passes out of the direction of star cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha, who is a game changer for the Raiders on defense.  This game will mark the first NFL start for Sanchez in his home state of California, which should provide him with some extra motivation playing in front of his family and friends.  Several members of the Jets receiving core are currently slowed by injury, including Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith, who were both held out of the week 6 game vs. Buffalo.  Braylon Edwards has also been limited this week in practice with a quad injury.

EDGE:  EVEN

OAKLAND RUNNING GAME vs. JETS D

With the knee injury suffered by Darren McFadden a few weeks back, the Raiders have been forced to lean on the tandem of Justin Fargas and Michael Bush to carry their running game.  The two have combined for 316 yards on 94 carries with 2 TD’s on the year.  In last week’s win vs. Philadelphia, Fargas handled most of the work load, rushing 23 times for 87 yards as compared to Bush’s 6 carries for 22 yards.  After beginning the season as one of the league’s best run defenses, the Jets have plummeted to 21st in the NFL, giving up an average of 115.7 rushing yards per game.  It won’t get any easier for them going forward having lost All-Pro nose tackle Kris Jenkins to a season-ending ACL injury.  Still, the Jets should be able to keep the Raiders running game in check on Sunday and force QB Jamarcus Russell to have to make some plays.

EDGE:  JETS RUN DEFENSE

OAKLAND PASSING GAME vs. JETS D

Jamarcus Russell is having a sub-par season in his 2nd as the Raiders starting quarterback.  On the year, Russell has completed 68 of 149 passes for 830 yards with 2 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.  In last season’s win vs. the Jets, he completed 17 of 30 passes for 203 yards and a score.  Russell’s top target is tight end Zach Miller, who gained 136 yards in last week’s win vs. Philadelphia, including an 86-yard touchdown that was the longest by a tight end in Raiders team history.  The Jets pass defense is ranked 8th in the league allowing an average of 187.7 yards per game.  But despite Rex Ryan’s aggressive blitzing scheme, the Jets have managed just 5 sacks in their first 6 games and appear to have lost the swagger they had a few weeks back.  The sack opportunities are sure to decrease with the loss of Kris Jenkins, so this is a defense that is going to need to step up big time beginning this Sunday in Oakland. 

EDGE:  JETS PASS DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS:

The Jets currently rank towards the middle of the league with an average of 22.7 yards per kick return and 8.8 yards per punt return.  The always dangerous Leon Washington is a game changer who will be an important player for the Jets this Sunday as they try to shorten the field for their struggling rookie quarterback.  The Raiders are ranked dead last in the league in both categories, averaging just 17.2 yards per kick return and 3.1 yards per punt return.  It’s surprising considering the previous success they had with such guys as Johnny Lee Higgins and ex-Jet, Justin Miller, who combined for 5 touchdown returns in 2008.  Jets placekicker Jay Feely had his record streak of 23 consecutive field goals snapped last week, but continues to be a model of consistency, while Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski has incredible distance but minimal accuracy.  The Raiders have the best punter in the NFL in Shane Lechler, who is averaging a league high 52.1 yards per punt. 

EDGE:  JETS SPECIAL TEAMS

BOTTOM LINE:

The Jets failed to win even once in four trips to the West Coast last season.  In fact, they haven’t won a regular season game against a West Coast foe since 2004 when they knocked off San Diego 34-28.  The Raiders are coming off their biggest win of the season and seem to be getting better with each passing week.  After 3 losses in a row, I’m not sure what to make of the Jets.  Obviously the loss of Kris Jenkins will be detrimental to a defense that has seemingly managed to regress each week, and Sanchez will need to play a whole lot better for the Jets to have a chance of winning.  This is a tough one to call, but I think the Jets defense and running game steps up this week and takes care of the Raiders:

PREDICTION:   JETS 20   RAIDERS 13

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Jsunfella, October 23rd 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Kris Jenkins Done for the Season

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As a long suffering Jets fan, I should have seen this coming a mile away.  In addition to Mark Sanchez regressing each week, the Jets suffered a devastating loss yesterday when Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kris Jenkins tore his ACL, ending his season.  He is the most important player in Rex Ryan’s 3-4 scheme, because he creates mismatches by occupying 2 and 3 offensive linemen at a time, allowing our line backing corp to make plays.  Now that he is gone for the season, that very same mismatch will become an advantage for our opponents when they can use their 300+ lb. offensive linemen to block out linebackers.  Basically, we’re fucked.  I hope all those Jets fans who said they would be happy with a 7-9 season before the year began (including myself) can re-adjust their expectations.  After starting 3-0, it looks like this might be a long year after all.  I would once again like to thank God for giving everyone else so much, and me so little.

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Dubbs, October 19th 2009 | Tags: , , ,
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Week 6 Preview: Buffalo Bills @ NY Jets

Rex Ryan will have his team motivated and prepared to win on Sunday.

Rex Ryan will have his team motivated and prepared to win on Sunday.

Buffalo Bills (1-4) @ New York Jets (3-2)

MATCHUP BREAKDOWN:

JETS RUNNING GAME vs. BILLS D

Despite finding the end zone 3 times, Thomas Jones has just 90 yards on 26 carries in the Jets’ last two games.  He’s averaging just 3.7 yards per carry this season and seems to lack the burst he showed last season when he led the AFC in rushing.  He does split downs with Leon Washington, which limits the amount of carries he gets, but Jones needs to step up and it should all start this week at home vs. the Bills.  Buffalo ranks 29th in the NFL allowing 154.6 rushing yards per game.  It’s also been 3 consecutive weeks in which they’ve allowed over 100 rushing yards to an opposing running back (Pierre Thomas- 126, Ronnie Brown-115, Jamal Lewis-117).  Jones could make it four consecutive games, as the Jets will look to lean on their running game in this one.  We should also see some reps from rookie RB Shonn Greene, who the Jets will look to integrate more and more as the season goes on

EDGE:  JETS RUNNING GAME

JETS PASSING GAME vs. BILLS D

In the Jets 3 wins, Mark Sanchez has 5 touchdowns (4 passing TDs) and 2 interceptions, with an average of 202 passing yards per game.  In their 2 losses, he’s thrown for 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions, averaging just 155 passing yards per game.  As good as the Jets defense is and potentially can be, they may only go as far as their rookie quarterback will take them this season.  I chalk it up as two games worth of growing pains for Sanchez and expect him to be much better Sunday vs. the Bills. Buffalo does have the 6th ranked pass defense in the NFL, but that number is a bit misleading considering teams have been predominantly running the ball against them.  With Jerricho Cotchery likely to miss the game for the Jets with a hamstring injury, look for Sanchez to go to Braylon Edwards, much like he did last week vs. Miami.  Dustin Keller needs to be more involved in the offense, which will require a better effort than he’s shown in the last few games.

EDGE:  EVEN

BILLS RUNNING GAME vs. JETS D

Marshawn Lynch has rushed for 73 yards on 25 carries in his first 2 games since coming off a 4 game suspension.  It appears the Bills have re-established Lynch as the #1 RB ahead of Fred Jackson, but they’ll continue to use Jackson to compliment Lynch, specifically on passing downs.  The Jets defense was dominated by the Miami Dolphins and their “Wildcat” offense last Monday night.  I mentioned in last week’s preview how the key matchup in that game would be the Jets run defense vs. Miami’s running game and that turned out to be the case as the Jets let the Dolphins “wildcat” their way down the field in the 2 minute drill, losing in the final seconds on a Ronnie Brown 2 yard run.  The performance plummeted the Jets to 19th overall in run defense, but they’re a physical unit with the personnel and system capable of shooting their way back up the rankings. The Jets defenders are going to be playing angry in this game, like they’ve got something to prove, and the Bills running backs will feel the effect.

EDGE:  JETS RUN DEFENSE

BILLS PASSING GAME vs. JETS D

Trent Edwards has not played at a high level this season.  In last week’s loss to the Browns, Edwards was 16 of 31 for 152 yards and an interception.  He’s completed only 58.1 % of his passes and has yet to throw for 1000 yards on the season through 5 games, all of this despite having two solid targets in WR’s Terrell Owens and Lee Evans.  Owens has looked like a shell of his former self this season and I’m convinced he will never be a good fit in Buffalo (then again, where has he been a good fit?).  The Jets pass defense ranks 9th in the NFL and should have no problem shutting down Trent Edwards and the Bills passing attack.  And again, with the way they played last week at Miami, you have to expect the Jets will be playing with a chip on their shoulder and I expect them to return to the dominant form they showed in the first 4 games of the season.

EDGE:  JETS PASS DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Jets are ranked 5th in the NFL with an average of 12.7 yards per punt return and 12th in the league with 23.5 yards per kick return.  In comparison, the Bills average 7.4 yards per punt return, good for 15th in the league, and 22.1 yards per kick return which ranks 18th overall.  Jay Feely has kicked 22 consecutive field goals to tie the Jets franchise record set by Pat Leahy in the 1985 season.  He is 8 for 8 in 2009, while his counterpart Rian Lindell falls just short at 7 for 8.  Both teams are among the bottom of the league in average per punt (Jets- 42.0/ Bills 42.2).

EDGE:  JETS

COACHING:  Rex Ryan vs. Dick Jauron

After the loss to Miami, Rex Ryan lashed out at both his defensive coaches and players.  The blitz packages that worked against Matt Schaub in week 1 and Tom Brady in week 2 haven’t been working, and in a system that is predicated on getting pressure on the quarterback, it’s something that is not acceptable and that’s what Ryan let them know.  Ryan will have the defense ready and motivated this week, and I expect a huge turn-around performance.  Dick Jauron is reportedly on the hot seat after coaching Buffalo to a 1-4 start.  As much talent as they lack, particularly on the offensive line, you have to question if Jauron made the right decision in firing his offensive coordinator, Turk Schonert, just days before the season.  Jauron replaced him with an inexperienced Alex Van Pelt and it’s shown as the Bills look lost trying to operate out of the no-huddle offense that Van Pelt inherited from Schonert.  If things don’t turn around soon, we could see a new regime in Buffalo.

EDGE:  JETS

BOTTOM LINE:

The Jets are going to be more than ready to play this Sunday coming off a disappointing loss to Miami.  They will be motivated to prove to the league and the critics that the team we saw in the first 3 weeks is who they are.  I don’t expect them to have too much trouble with the Bills, but of course you never know what could happen when two AFC East rivals get together, no matter how much of a mismatch it appears to be on paper.  My prediction:

Jets  23  Bills  10

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Jsunfella, October 16th 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Thanks Cleveland

Jets Dolphins Football

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KRM, October 13th 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Jets Week 5 Preview: Another Classic Monday Nighter?

 
The Jets defense will need to come up big against Miami's top ranked rushing attack on MNF if they're going to win the game.

The Jets defense will need to come up big against Miami's top ranked rushing attack.

 

New York Jets (3-1) @ Miami Dolphins (1-3)

Monday Night Football- ESPN (8:30 pm EST)

Land Shark Stadium- Miami, Florida

This week the Jets travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.  It’s the first time that head coach Rex Ryan and rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez will get a taste of the intense rivalry that has developed over the years between these two AFC East teams.  It will also mark the debut of WR Braylon Edwards, as he gets his feet wet in his first game action with the Jets.  The Dolphins and Jets have played some thrillers in their time, the most notable being the Jets classic “Monday Night Miracle” comeback vs. Dan Marino’s Dolphins back in 2000.  While we’re unlikely to see a game equivalent to that magnitude, it should still turn out to be another hard fought battle between these two teams.

MATCH UP BREAKDOWN:

JETS RUNNING GAME vs. DOLPHINS D:

The Jets running game hasn’t exactly been impressive to this point of the season.  They do rank 9th in the NFL with a team average of 130.5 rushing yards per game, but aside from their week 1 performance against the Texans in which they ran for 190 yards, the Jets haven’t been able to lean on their rushing attack as much as they would’ve liked.  Thomas Jones, the Jets leading rusher, has only 122 yards in his last 3 games, averaging a paltry 2.9 yards per carry.  The Dolphins come into this week’s game as the 2nd ranked rushing defense in the NFL, allowing just 61.0 rushing yards per game.  Through four games, they’ve yet to allow a running back to gain over 70 yards on the ground, which includes holding 2008 rushing champion, Michael Turner, to just 65 yards on 22 carries in the opening week of the season.  The Jets running backs will need to show patience and allow the big offensive lineman in front of them to open up holes for them to attack.  It’s important for them to get the running game going to take some pressure off Mark Sanchez and the passing game, but it’s going to be a tough task this week against an unforgiving Dolphins run defense.

EDGE: DOLPHINS RUN DEFENSE

JETS PASSING GAME vs. DOLPHINS D:

In week 4, the Saints defense completely shut down the Jets passing game and finally made Mark Sanchez look like a rookie.  Sanchez was overmatched throughout the game, turning the ball over 4 times (3 interceptions, 1 fumble) leading to 14 points for the Saints.  He threw for only 138 yards in the game and failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time in his brief career. The Dolphins pass defense hasn’t quite had the same success as their run defense, but they’re still a solid unit.  They’re ranked in the bottom half of the league (24th overall), allowing 238.5 passing yards per game, but have still managed to get pressure on the quarterback (11 sacks).  Sanchez will look to exploit the Miami secondary, particularly safeties Yeremiah Bell and Gibril Wilson, who are much better in run support than in coverage downfield.  Expect another solid performance from Jerricho Cotchery, who has had a nice rapport with Sanchez since the season began.  Sanchez will also look to tight end Dustin Keller, particularly on 3rd downs to keep the chains moving.  Braylon Edwards will need further acclimation into the Jets system before he can truly be utilized, but expect a few plays to him as well.

SLIGHT EDGE:  JETS PASSING GAME

DOLPHINS RUNNING GAME vs. JETS D

The Dolphins come into this game ranked atop the NFL in rushing offense.  They stay committed to the ground, averaging a league high 36.8 attempts for 183.5 yards per game.  Much of their success can be attributed to the “Wildcat” formation, which head coach Tony Sparano introduced when he took over as head coach in 2008.  Sparano utilizes the “Wildcat” mainly to get his two best offensive players, RB’s Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, on the field at the same time.  The two have combined for 617 yards and 6 TD’s in the Dolphins first 4 games.  It’s going to be interesting to see what kind of game plan Rex Ryan comes up with to stop the Dolphins ground attack.  In last year’s playoff loss to the Ravens, Ryan’s defense shut down Brown and Williams (combined 16 carries for 36 yards and 0 TD’s) and completely negated the Wildcat offense.  Bart Scott played in that game and will play in this one as well, which is good news for the Jets.  Both he and David Harris will be keys for the Jets in stopping the run, as will Jim Leonhard in run blitz schemes coming up from the safety position.  The Jets have slid to 13th in run defense after letting up a season high 153 rushing yards to Pierre Thomas and the Saints in week 4.  They will welcome back LB/DE Calvin Pace from suspension, which will only add to a physical unit already capable  of stopping the Dolphins #1 ranked rushing attack.  The winner of this match up likely wins the game.

EDGE: EVEN

DOLPHINS PASSING GAME vs. JETS D

Chad Henne made his first career NFL start in week 4, throwing for 115 yards with 1 TD and 0 INTs.  He was sacked 6 times by an aggressive Bills defense, but still managed the game well en route to a 38-10 victory.  The Dolphins mixed in 9 plays from the “Wildcat” formation, taking some of the pressure off the 2nd year pro.  Henne took over as the starter when veteran quarterback and ex-Jet, Chad Pennington, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against San Diego in week 3.  It was Pennington who had the worst game of his career against Rex Ryan’s Ravens defense in the previous year’s playoff loss.  He threw 4 interceptions and completed passes to only 2 different receivers the entire game.  Look for the Jets to exploit the inexperience of Henne and take a similar approach as the Ravens did in that game and blitz the heck out of the Dolphins’ rookie QB.  The Jets enter the game ranked 5th in the league against the pass, having allowed 177.5 yards per game and just 1 passing touchdown all season.

EDGE: JETS PASS DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Field position will definitely be a factor in what should be a very physical game throughout, so both punters, Steve Weatherford for the Jets and Brandon Fields for the Dolphins, will need to do a good job of pinning their opponents deep in their own zone.  The Jets currently rank 8th in the league with an average of 24.4 yards per kick return, and 6th in the league in punt returning, averaging 13.8 yards per return.  The Dolphins have long had issues in special teams coverage, but they’ve managed to turn it around this season on kick returns, letting up an average of just 19.6 yards per return.  However, they’re among the worst in the league in punt return coverage, allowing 10.5 yards per return.  The Jets have used Jim Leonhard as their punt returner for much of this year, but expect the dangerous Leon Washington to get a few chances this week.  The Dolphins have their own dangerous punt returner in Ted Ginn Jr, so the Jets will have to continue their solid special teams coverage in this game.

EDGE: JETS SPECIAL TEAMS

INTANGIBLES/COACHING:

There has been a lot of smack talking between these teams since Rex Ryan took over as head coach.  Back in June, Ryan got into somewhat of a war of words with Dolphins LB Channing Crowder, and it was Crowder who was talking again this week, this time taking shots at Jets RB Leon Washington.  The two were college rivals, Crowder with Florida and Washington with Florida State, and apparently are not so fond of each other.  Expect the blood to be running thick in this game, which will only add to the intensity of this always passionate rivalry.  I expect both coaches to have their teams prepared and ready to play.  Rex Ryan needs to keep the Jets defense focused on stopping the run and taking away what the Dolphins can do in their Wildcat offense.  Tony Sparano and the Miami defense is going to look to mix up coverages all game long to try to confuse Sanchez and force him into uncomfortable situations that lead to turnovers.

EDGE: EVEN

BOTTOM LINE:

The Jets have to put last week’s loss behind them and build off the mistakes they made in that game.  The return of Calvin Pace is going to really help them in slowing down the Miami rushing attack, and newcomer Braylon Edwards adds another big target for Sanchez to look to on offense.  Miami will use the Wildcat and other gimmicky types of plays to throw off the Jets defenders and could break some big plays if they can catch them off guard.  It should be another great game in the AFC East, but in the end the Jets will pull off a win on the road:

Jets 17  Dolphins 13

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Jsunfella, October 9th 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Jets Week 4 Preview: A Classic Chess Match

 

The Jets will need to limit Drew Brees and the high powered Saints' offense at the Superdome on Sunday if they want to improve to 4-0 on the season.

The Jets will need to limit Drew Brees and the high powered Saints' offense at the Superdome on Sunday in order to improve to 4-0.

New York Jets (3-0) @ New Orleans Saints (3-0)

Sunday- 4:05 pm

Superdome- New Orleans, LA

It’s a the battle of the undefeated in the “Big Easy” on Sunday, as the New York Jets take on the New Orleans Saints.  The Saints enter the game as the top ranked offense in the NFL, averaging 438 yards per game to go along with a 40 points per game average.  The Jets come into town sporting a defense ranked 3rd in the NFL in yards allowed per game (256.0) and 2nd in the NFL in points per game allowed (11.0).  Something will have to give in what should be an extremely entertaining and competitive game between two of the NFL’s early season’s best:

MATCH UP BREAKDOWN:

JETS RUNNING GAME vs. SAINTS D:

The Jets will need to establish their running game on Sunday, mainly to eat up the clock and keep Drew Brees and the vaunted Saints offense off the field.  The Jets mustered a season-low 86 yards on 28 carries (3.1 avg) in last week’s win vs. the Titans, but they’ll need to have much more success this weekend in order to win the game.  The Saints rank 5th in the NFL in rushing defense, but since they’ve yet to trail in a game for even a single second this season, it’s safe to say the teams they’ve played have been straying from their running game while playing from behind.  The Jets have by far the best offensive line that the Saints have seen yet this season, so expect solid production from Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, especially if it’s a close game throughout.  We should also see a healthy dose of the “Seminole Formation” (the Jets’ version of the “Wildcat”), as Brian Schottenheimer tries to keep the Saints defense on their heels.

EDGE:   JETS RUNNING GAME

JETS PASSING GAME vs. SAINTS D

The Jets haven’t exactly opened up the playbook for Mark Sanchez, but the rookie has done everything asked of him to get the Jets to their first 3-0 start since 2004.  He has responded tremendously in crucial game situations and Sunday will be his biggest test yet as he tries to keep up with the Quarterback on the opposite sidelines.  The Saints are tied for the NFL lead with 7 interceptions, but 6 of those picks came in blowouts against QB’s making their first career NFL starts (Mark Stafford- 3 INT’s in week 1 and Kevin Kolb- 3 INT’s in week 2).  Overall, the Saints are ranked 22nd in passing defense, allowing 245 yards per game.  The Jets will look to utilize Sanchez’s masterful play-action fakes to freeze FS Darren Sharper and CB Jabari Greer and allow Jerricho Cotchery and the Jets’ receivers to get free in the secondary.  If the Jets get down early, Sanchez will have to step up and take his shots downfield to get the Jets back in the game.

EDGE:  EVEN

SAINTS RUNNING GAME vs. JETS D

A lot of praise is given to the Saints passing game, and for good reason, but what people often overlook is the fact that they’re a very solid running team as well.  The Saints currently rank 2nd in the NFL in rushing offense, with an average of over 170 yards per game.  Last week vs. the Bills, RB Pierre Thomas ran for 126 yards and 2 TD’s in the second half alone to lead the Saints to victory.  But Thomas will have a much tougher time finding lanes to run through against a Jets team ranked 9th overall in rushing defense.  The Jets have to be careful not to let up any big plays on the ground while focusing in on stopping the Saints’ passing attack.  Reggie Bush is a weapon out of the backfield, one the Jets will need to contain on the outside and prevent from getting into open space.  This match up is too close to call and will likely be dictated by whichever side is able to gain momentum early on.

EDGE:  EVEN

SAINTS PASSING GAME vs. JETS D

Drew Brees has carved up NFL defenses this year to the tune of 841 yards (280 ypg) with 9 TD’s and 2 INT’s.  He is one of the game’s best signal callers and the true leader of the NFL’s new and improved “Greatest Show on Turf.”  WR Marques Colston, coming off an injury riddled 2008 that limited him to just 11 games, has returned healthy this year and has quickly regained the chemistry with Brees that led to his breakout season in 2007.  He will be shadowed all game long by Jets star CB Darrelle Revis, forcing Brees to have to spread the ball out to his other options, including TE Jeremy Shockey.  “Gang Green’s” defense, which will be without CB’s Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland for the second straight week, will mix up coverages all day long to try to contain Shockey over the middle.  The Jets will need to get to Brees like they did Brady two weeks ago, but his quick release will make it hard for Bart Scott and the boys to get much pressure on him.  Rex Ryan was a defensive mastermind late in the game vs. the Titans, drawing up an array of blitz schemes and coverages that led to 13 straight incompletions by Kerry Collins to end the game.  If the Jets can get a lead in this game, Ryan will look to attack Brees with a similar repertoire.

EDGE:  SAINTS PASSING GAME

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Whenever you play in a dome, an advantage in the kicking game is hard to gain as both kickers get to play in a climate-controlled, wind free arena.  Both teams have accurate kickers, in Jay Feely for the Jets (19 consecutive successful FG’s) and John Carney for the Saints, so the only advantage to be gained is which kicker gets more opportunities.  Leon Washington and Jim Leonhard have been very good in the return game this year for the Jets, often providing the team with great field position. Reggie Bush can be electric on punt returns, but the Jets coverage unit has been impressive this season, coming off a game in which they recorded two fumble recoveries.

EDGE:   JETS SPECIAL TEAMS

INTANGIBLES/COACHING:

This game will be a classic chess match between the great defensive mind of Rex Ryan and the great offensive mind of Sean Peyton.  Peyton will look to exploit match ups however he can, while Ryan will look to stay aggressive on defense and disguise coverages in an effort to bait Brees into making mistakes.  The Saints have a huge home field advantage playing at the Superdome in front of their 70,000 fans.  On a side note, Saints LB Jonathan Vilma will play against his former team for the first time since being traded back in February of 2008.

EDGE:  SAINTS

BOTTOM LINE:

This will undoubtedly be one of this week’s most entertaining games.  Anyone expecting a blowout in this one is way off base as both teams are well coached and disciplined enough to not allow a let down in this most crucial match up.  The Jets can’t allow the Saints to get up early and in turn force Sanchez to have to beat them through the air, which is their formula for success.  It’s going to be a close game, but in the end the Saints will be a bit too much for the Jets to handle:

Saints 27 Jets 23

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Jsunfella, October 2nd 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Jets Preview, Sports
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