In the scheme of things, September 13th, 2010 was not that long ago. However, if you look at the Box Score (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/boxscore?gid=20100913020) of last years season opener between the Ravens and the New York Jets; that game seems like eons ago.
While some of the names have changed, the personalities of these two teams remain as a constant. The Jets have the fiery temperament of their Head Coach, and coming off back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship Game, only advancing to the Super Bowl will be deemed a successful season. After getting physically handled by the Oakland Raiders last weekend, expect to see New York play with pride under the National TV lights.
Here are 10 things to watch with the Jets:
1) Two time All-Pro Center Nick Mangold might not play Sunday against the Ravens. Colin Baxter, an undrafted rookie out of Arizona, reportedly played ‘ok’ against the Raiders. If Mangold plays, that is a heavy weight bout waiting to happen, against Ngata. If Baxter has to play, Ngata should win that match-up handily.
1a) D’Brickashaw Ferguson is also an acclaimed lineman, reaching the past two Pro Bowls at LT. Moore is supposed to be a good run-blocker at RG. If Suggs can’t beat Ferguson 1×1, the Ravens will have to attack Hunter at RT.
2) Like Baltimore, there was transition with the Jets receivers this off-season, with former Raven Derrick Mason, and Plaxico Burress replacing Edwards, and Cotchery. Mason is averaging just 7.1 yards per grab on his 10 receptions for the year, but every Ravens fan knows that even at age 37 he remains a capable possession receiver. The 6’5, 232 lb Burress has always been strong in the red zone, and currently has a yard per catch average (18.1) above his career averages (15.6). There was a lot of press before the season about the New York having upgraded here, but I see their changes as neutral at best. With Smith still out, I would use Williams on Burress.
3) Obviously the key NY receiver remains Santonio Holmes. Prior to the start of the season, Holmes signed a 5 year $45.25M contract ($24M guaranteed) I imagine that Holmes is facing increased scrutiny to raise his game to the elite level worthy of that contract.
4) The receiving option to watch with the Jets might be their TE Dustin Keller. Keller was New York’s 2008 1st round pick, who has started strongly here in ’11, averaging 83 yards per game.
5) There is an impression that the Jets would like to be a running team focused around the strength and power of Shonn Green, but the 3rd year RB has received just 41 carries in the first three games. He also comes out on most 3rd downs, due to his limitations as a receiver, and of course Tomlinson’s pass catching abilities. Is this the game where Rex Ryan directs his offense to feed Green the ball early and often? I doubt it.
6) 2011 1st rounder Muhammad Wilkerson has recorded one sack so far, but is dealing a shoulder injury. Outside of him, not a lot of high level ability on the Jets defensive line. There are players in the Ravens 2 deep that would have a chance to start for NY.
7) Ryan has always predicated his defenses around stopping the run, so I’m sure he was embarrassed by the Raiders running all over his front-7. Oakland has a physical front, and McFadden is emerging as one of the leagues best backs. Still, was that game just about the Raiders talents, or was that also about the limitations of the Jets defense?
7a) Where is Scott at this point in his career at MLB? The Jets rely on Thomas and Pace to be rushers from the outside. Do they have have the legs to run with Dickson, and Pitta?
8) With Revis, Cromartie, and 2010 1st rounder Kyle Wilson at CB, the Jets have the ability to play them on an Island, and bring extra rushers. Cromartie is dealing with a bruised lung, and ribs. Will he be able to play? Are teams throwing at Revis at all, or does he regularly go unchallenged? Should he play, will the bigger Cromartie get matched-up on Boldin?
9) Sanchez is averaging 295 yards a game so far, and has QB rating over 90 (though is ranked just 23rd with ESPN’s QBR rating). He seems to take a lot of criticism for a guy that had taken his team to the Conference Championship game in both of the first two years of his career. In two of the first three games, he has thrown for over 300 yards. If the Jets decide they can not run on Baltimore, will they ask Sanchez to air it out?
10) Ryan has made no secret of the fact that he was disappointed he was not named the Ravens Head Coach prior to Harbaugh’s hire. The players that have played for Ryan have always seemed to love his bluntness. However, I think that outspokenness is part of the reason he did not receive the job here in Baltimore. Ryan of course deserves some credit for the success the Jets have had the past two years. When / if the Jets face real adversity, will Ryan’s persona allow him to last in New York?
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.