New York Jets Run Offense vs. San Diego Chargers Run Defense

This is a mismatch on paper. The Jets run for more yards than any team in the league. They just ran all over the Bengals, a team with a significantly better run defense than the Chargers own. San Diego's 3-4 defense is anchored by fourth string nose tackle Ian Scott. He'll be up against first team All Pro center Nick Mangold. Scott has been below average on the nose. Mangold should be able to control the trenches up front, and get a push to the second level.

That's going to leave two men a piece for the other two linemen, Luis Castillo and Jacques Cesaire, who have struggled all year with Jamal Williams out. Brandon Moore and Alan Faneca may be able to handle them alone. This could create major problems for the Chargers, particularly when say the Jets run right and pull Faneca. Leading tackler Stephen Cooper will have to work in traffic. Same thing for Eric Weddle, a safety who was second in tackles and is sure to see plenty of time in the box.


Shonn Greene has seemed to wrestle the bulk of the carries from Thomas Jones and with good reason. He's got a better burst and is more apt to get through attempted tackles. If he can run with the same authority he showed last week and avoid putting it on the ground, the Jets should be able to control the ball and keep San Diego's offense off the field. I have faith in the New York pass defense, but the best way to handle the explosive Chargers passing game is to keep it on the sidelines. It can also help play action.