After two weeks, there really is no such thing as a trap game. It is totally conceivable that a contending team could start 0-2, or that a flash in the pan could start 2-0. It's likely both teams realize this is a game that normally would have Conference ramifications -- and it really just might. This game needs to be approached in that way. If the Jets are to lose one of the next two games, the New Orleans game -- in New Orleans -- is the game to lose. Not the home game against the AFC rival Titans. The Titans are a proud team with a bitter taste in their mouth from last year's pummeling at the hand of the Jets. They were the best team in the AFC for the majority of the year. They stand at the precipice of irrelevancy one more loss could topple them into. This team is not an 0-2 team, likewise, while there's a lot of genuflection on the Jets right now largely because of the shattering of expectations against stout teams, including a major franchise milestone victory this past week against the hated Patriots, the Jets are not the 15-0 Patriots. The Jets are not playing _consistent_ lights out football. The offense was maddeningly inconsistent last week, especially in the first half. The Jets OL had trouble, and in turn the RBs couldn't get going, which in turn put the passing game in a bad place. Fumbles, inaccuracy, pass-protection gaffes. 3 and outs. All of this in turn caused the defense to play an inordinate amount of snaps in the first half, in which they continually bent but did not break. But let me ask: what would have happened if Brady hit Edelman (8 catches 98 yards...) in the flat on 3rd down and goal inside the ten for an easy TD to go up 10-0? The pass was errant, and it was an easy pass to make. It's only a handful of plays that make a game. And with only two games in the books, there's plenty of room for a record to misrepresent a team's actual ability and standing. The Jets are for real, it seems. This isn't to deligitimize the 2-0 start. The matchup this week, though, should be a matchup of two premier teams in the NFL. Although the Titans lost their priemier DT Haynesworth, and their defense looks vulnerable, they are going to play with urgency, they are going to try to play more crisply, and they are going to try take the ball out of Kerry Collins' hands and put the game in Chris Johnson's legs. The Patriots had more than fleeting success running the ball against us. But for some stupid reason, they insisted on dropping their QB back against our pass rush and scheme. That will be the Titans' strategic rub. IMO, they will try to preclude the worst potential outcomes by running the ball, running the ball, and running the ball. Kerry Collins can make some really boneheaded ints -- like last week. They will try to get Chris Johnson the ball via run, pass, and who knows what. Again, this week, is a huge test for the Jets defense, the team and the franchise. This is a game that tests the mettle. Close out a deal to go 3-0, and don't let up. Kick the AFC when they're down. But it is a major test nonetheless. If the Jets lose, we come back to the pack, and it will be assured we will be in a dogfight to the end of the season. Of all our early season games, we are most likely to lose in New Orleans. They are playing the best football in the NFL. If we win, we validate claims on being the best team in the AFC. The Titans lost only barely to the Steelers. They played poorly last week, but will be looking to rebound. This isn't an in depth analysis. It's a reality check. We're so high right now as a fanbase and rightly so. But there are problems in the offing. Namely, one, the consistency of the running game, and the offense in general especially early in games. If we ever get down big early, it may not look pretty. Two, the consistency of the rushing defense, which will be given its biggest test of the season this week. A team can take advantage of these issues with the right game plan and good execution. Houston had a poor game plan and could not execute. New England had an ok game plan but did not execute. A good gameplan and good execution will make the Jets earn it for real. The Jets have a great chance to win this game and seal the deal for us as a premier super bowl contending team in early 09. That's right, read that again. A lot of season is still ahead, but if the jets go up 3-0 heading into NO, all of the "wha?" will turn into serious attention as SuperBowl Contenders in what looks like a wide open field where there is no real dynasty. Realize that. That is what this game represents. We need to realize also, that possibly, Sanchez is the best player on the offense...that Sanchez needs to set up the run, not vice versa, and he need to do it by spreading his passes around. He's focused only on Cotch, Stucky, and Keller, with Leon out of the backfield. The passing game may be ahead of where the running game is right now. We have to stuff Chris Johnson, and force Collins to pass. If Collins passes, the odds are he will make a big mistake, or get clobbered. Go Jets.
I'm sorry, but I'm tired of people still talking as if it is still the same Ol' Jets. Clearly we are in a new era, treat it as such. I'm enjoying the ride, and feel the Jets are more than capable of competing with any team out there. The Titans are no joke, I agree, but I highly doubt Rex Ryan is scared of the scenario at hand. This was proven by the NE game.
I think spreading the ball to Cotch, Keller, Stuck and Leon is already pretty impressive for a rook. I also don't think he's the ebst player on O, but I absolutely agree that 3-0 is a totally different animal than 2-1. The early noise out of Florham Park has been a "keep your head down, no more talking, just focus" vibe and I like that: they know what's really at stake.
Yea, the lack of talk this week is a good thing. I think they wanted to ruffle the Pats feathers last week. Thius week they know that they are already facing a team that is desprate. No need for extra motivation. The Titans were mad at themselves after last years game and now staring 0-3 in the face. They will be up for this one. As for Sanchez, he is doing a very good job taking what is available. Not forcing throws into coverage to find "his guys". The bigger issue is that the four guy mentioned are the only ones open and catching balls for him. Smith and Clowney have been non existant in this offense or had drops whne thrown to. Over all a very nice write up Darth. Better than most of the tripe the guys paid to do it produce.
With all the pessimism, I'm beginning to think my fellow TGG'ers are beat writers masquerading as fans. Am I the only one that watched us play IN Tenn. last year. This team has gotten better by an order of magnitude and will be playing in their Asylum. Tenn. has gotten worse, and will be on the road.... Simple math. 24-9 Band of Lunatics.
It's easy to pick the Jets here, but this is a classic letdown, trap game scenario. Coming off a huge win, and playing a desperate team that we should beat easily, makes me very uneasy. Also, it's very easy to look past this one a little for the showdown between Saints offense and Jets defense (I'm already dubbing this one The Unstoppable Force meets the Immovable Object). I totally agree that the Jets should win this easily. However, if they do win, I think it'll be a lot closer that many of you think.
The Houston game is the perfect mold for this team to follow. Run the ball early and often and set up the pass. The way the Defense for the titans looked , it could be a big day for the youngster. I think the defense will have a score or two in this game , so The burden should be lightened for Sanchez.
The Titans Run D is stellar.....they stopped Pittsburgh's backs cold in week one....and Slaton was invisible last week. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington will have their work cut out this Sunday....the Titans front 7 is formidable. I'm hoping Schotty goes to the "air" against this defense..the Titans secondary is their achilles heel right now...Schaub had a field day on Sunday...with the passes underneath...and some long bombs to Andre Johnson.
Today's Star-Ledger Take On The Matchup Excellent writeup by Dave Hutchinson this morning. This game is not a pushover but I like what Ryan says about the preparation for this week's game: http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/09/ny_jets_heading_into_week_3_lo.html LOOKING BACK The Jets may be 2-0, but coach Rex Ryan isn’t a happy camper when it comes to the play of his offensive line. He called the unit out on Monday, saying, "They played good enough to win, but it probably wasn’t our best game up front." Ryan was largely talking about his "ground-and-pound" running game, which rushed for 117 yards and two TDs on 31 carries (3.8-yard average) in the victory over the Patriots. Through two games, RB Thomas Jones has put up some gaudy numbers but they’re deceiving. He has rushed for 161 yards on 34 attempts (4.7-yard average) but 104 yards have come on five carries, meaning he has gained just 57 yards on the other 29 attempts (2.0-yard average). RB Leon Washington (29 carries for 118 yards) has had plenty of "touches." Rookie RB Shonn Greene, however, has yet to get in the game. Asked about Greene, Ryan said, "We’re in the ‘win’ business. I don’t have to play anybody." LOOKING AHEAD The Jets insist they’re not full of themselves after their emotional win over the Patriots. They better not be because they’ll be facing a wounded Titans (0-2) team on Sunday whose entire season is flashing before them in Week 3. "Anything less than our full preparation and our best will guarantee that we are not successful," said Ryan. The Titans had a mixed bag of success in their 34-31 loss to the Texans on Sunday. RB Chris Johnson scored on TD runs of 57 and 91 yards and a 69-yard pass play. He finished with 284 yards total offense. But the Tennessee defense allowed 420 yards total offense, with Texans QB Matt Schaub throwing for 357 yards and four TDs. The unit, however, held Texans RB Steve Slaton to just 34 yards rushing. LOOKING AT THEM Everyone knows about the Jets blitzing Patriots QB Tom Brady into next week, but what will their defense do against Titans speedy RB Chris Johnson? The Jets like to blitz on run plays as well as passing downs, but that’s a dangerous proposition against the likes of Johnson, who can turn one missed tackle into six points. "Our preparation is going to be a lot different," said Ryan. "I think this team likes to run the ball first, pass second. They got kind of Mr. Inside (LenDale White) and Mr. Outside (Johnson). We’re going to be challenged, there’s no doubt."
This is what i like to hear.....if it ain't broken, don't fix it. I'm interested to what S.Greene can do on the field too....but not for the sake of "just doing it".
Totally agree. TJ and LW give us our best chances right now. If we get into a blowout game where we're ahead like 34-7 in the 4th quarter, then I'd insert Greene to give him a little experience.
That's probably a no brainer. Pace>Gholston. The only thing that could even come close to changing that is if Gholston has two ass-kicking, totally dominating games coming up. Highly unlikely.
Because the Saints game is on the road, this game is a must win if we're gonna get to where we want to. Win this one and New Orleans is a house money game. Crowd has to be loud again. # 1 worry to me is Johnson on screen passes and dump offs. First guy has to bring him down. Offensively, it's time for Leon to break out in 2009. He's been solid when called on, especially that first down back by our own goal line that set up the long FG drive to put us up 8. Biggest play of the game last week outside of the three big plays coming out of the half. He needs to bust out though and put up some numbers.
I really like Hutch's entire take on this game. He's spot on. This is a desperation game against a wounded Titans that are staring 0-3 in the face. This game will be a real test of coaching and also of the players bringing the same, no-let-up intensity that they brought to the NE game. The crowd has to really get into it and I'm sure they will. 3-0 BABY!
This is the biggest misconception about the first two games. Sanchez has been a good QB, but he has been an effective QB on only a few drives each game, struggling to move the offense on the majority of drives. In other words: he HAS been a rookie QB, making some mistakes and showing flashes of greatness now and then. The Jets have had 22 offensive drives this year and 4 have ended up with TD's and 4 have ended up with FG's. 6 drives have been 4 and out. That's the kind of record you'd expect to see if the opponents had been very good defensively (which they have not been) or if the Jet's offense was misfiring a fair amount of the time (which it obviously has been.) If Sanchez really begins clicking this team is going to win like 14 games, because right now the defense is winning games with minimal support from the offense.
Not only is the Titans game important because it's at home. But it's also against an AFC opponent, and I'll take any wins over an AFC opponent simply for Wild Card implications if worst comes to worst.
