So I’ve seen a fair amount of Jets games while sitting at the bar watching the Chargers. Without bringing up any stats (basic or advanced) here are some objective observations. As everyone knows they are a good running team, but they really excel when they run the ball off the left side. Mangold is a beast and seems to pull better that way, and along with Faneca and Ferguson they open up huge holes. Its not like Jones or Greene are real quick or shifty, but they hit the holes hard. Sanchez can’t do much, unless they get the other team to bite on the play-action. Thats the only time I’ve seen him complete a pass longer than 7 – 10 yards (not including YAC). Every time you saw a highlight of Sanchez hitting a deep throw (or saw it bounce off Braylon’s face) it was on a play-action, so our secondary is going to have stay disciplined. Also, I haven’t really seen anyone write about it or mention it, but I doubt Cro or Jammer will have any trouble keeping up with Cotchery or Edwards unless there is a major communication breakdown. I would worry a bit about covering Keller over the middle on 10 – 15 yard plays. Especially on the play action.

On Defense, we all know the Jets are as solid as they come. Revis will smother VJax on most routes. However, Vinny will still have the advantage in jump ball situations (perhaps in the endzone), and we all know Rivers isn’t too shy to throw up some long jump balls if field position permits. Lito Sheppard is good and has stepped up his game, but is still vulnerable. In the Colts/Jets game, Manning and Austin Collie absolutely owned Sheppard before Manning left the game. The Jets are also vulnerable to TEs and know it, so they will probably pay extra attention to Gates. I saw numerous TEs eat them up. On the last drive of the Jets game against the Falcons, everyone in the stadium knew they were going to throw to Tony Gonzalez and he still caught the game winning TD. I also think we may actually have some success running the ball. The Jets’ LB are good and make stops, but I think we might be able to get plenty of 3 – 6 yard gains with the initial push (as opposed to just the yard or two we’ve grown used to seeing).

IMO special teams and field position are going to be huge in this game and I am glad we have Scifres. With the Jets’ running game on Offense and ability to limit the big play on Defense, our “bend not break” defense will work well as long as they aren’t starting out on the 40 or 50 yard line.