Keys to Game 2: Jets vs. Jaguars
Last week, I outlined the keys to the Jets season opener against the Cowboys, in a FanPost entitled Keys to Game 1. Well, many of the key Cowboy players that I highlighted did indeed have successful games against the Jets, but Gang Green was able to pull out a victory in comeback fashion. Since the first FanPost inspired 88 comments and 4 rec's, I decided to follow up with a second entry. This week, the Jets are matched up with the Jaguars, who pulled out a 16-13 victory last week after leading 13-0 late in the third quarter. For the key players and matchups this week, jump!
After watching film on the Jaguars game last week, I determined that not much could be learned from the messy affair with the Titans. Maurice Jones-Drew is coming off an injury and had his carries limited (as John B. outlines here). I considered it a handicap that the Jags bravely overcame until I realized that the Titans' own star running back, Chris Johnson, was given only 9 carries because he missed the entire preseason, and couldn't handle a full workload yet. Therefore, we don't know much about the Jaguars' run defense or the workload that MJD can handle this week. What we do know of the Jaguars is that they were extremely poor in pass protection last year, and gave up 136 yards and two scores to Kenny Britt last week. This leads into the first key matchup of the game:
Plaxico Burress vs. Derek Cox; Derrick Mason vs. Drew Coleman:
Rashean Mathis is the Jaguars' best corner, and is probably their best defensive player as well. While I don't expect him to completely shut down Santonio Holmes, I believe that the Jets should look to exploit Jacksonville's #2 and #3 cornerbacks. Derek Cox started 16 games during his rookie year, but found himself on the bench early last season. This year, he is set to cover opposing teams #2 guys, and on Sunday, he will likely find himself across from Plaxico Burress. Plax had a successful debut after missing 2 years due to "other commitments", catching 4 passes for 70 yards and one big touchdown. He will have 4 inches on Cox (and 8 inches on Drew Coleman), so the Jacksonville corner will have a very difficult time trying to contain him. Derrick Mason will also find himself in many favorable matchups, as the Jags lack depth in the defensive backfield. He is a wily veteran and should be able to free himself easily if he lines-up opposite of Drew Coleman. The Jaguars are going to have to provide double coverage and/or safety help on one of Burress and Mason. The one that finds himself in single coverage will be able to change the flow of the game.
Maurice Jones-Drew: I could write a long paragraph about why containing Maurice Jones-Drew is the most important thing for the Jets defense, but John B has beat me to it, and did it much better than I would have. You can find it here.
Mark Sanchez: I personally thought that the game against the Cowboys can be used to perfectly describe Sanchez' career to this point. He can be brilliant for one play and incredibly stupid on the next, but he is a winner and the Jets often win because of him, not in spite of him. Come January, guys like Tony Romo will probably have more yards and more touchdowns, but we have seen time and time again the importance of having a QB who is cool under pressure. This week, Sanchez will be able to take advantage of a Jaguars secondary that is just as bad as the Cowboys'. After another week of practice with his WR's, look for him to take a step forward and complete a higher percentage of passes against the Jaguars. I fully expect 300 yards and 2 TD from the Sanchize on Sunday, and will be surprised if he doesn't reach it.
Jets O-Line: The Jets O-Line scared me last week, but I'm hoping that was more of DeMarcus Ware being a monster than anything else. This week, they need to keep Matt Roth away from Mark Sanchez, a much easier task. If they look as bad as they did last week, Jets fans will have reason to worry.
Creating Turnovers: Last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the second worst team in the NFL with a -15 turnover difference, compared to the Jets +9 (good for 5th in the NFL. Luke McCown only has 9 touchdown passes in his career, but has thrown 10 interceptions. Losing the turnover battle this Sunday could doom the Jets, because it would mean that they failed to take advantage of the Jaguars' biggest flaw.
Marcedes Lewis: Jacksonville's #1 receiver, Mike Thomas, is a good player but would be better suited playing a supporting role. The Jaguars' other receivers are inexperienced and are unlikely to break through against the Jets secondary. Actually, Luke McCown's best target appears to be tight end Marcedes Lewis, who caught 58 passes and 10 TD's last season. Jason Witten burned Eric Smith last week, so the Jets absolutely need to look into doubling and bracketing Lewis. He is the most dynamic player in the Jacksonville passing game, and if he is taken out of his rhythm early in the game, the Jets can focus all their attention on stopping MJD.
**Note: The Jaguars #3 receiver is a guy named Cecil Shorts, the Third. If that is not the best name in the NFL, it is definitely up in the top 5.
**Note #2: I don't know if this has been mentioned, but the Jaguars are basically a collection of Jets' castoffs. Looking over the depth chart, I saw many familiar names: Drew Coleman, Dwight Lowery, C.J. Mosley, and Matt Turk. I wish good luck and good health to all these guys, except this week.
All in all, the Jets go into week 2 as the overwhelming favorites. However, games aren't won on paper, and Jacksonville's playmakers can steal this one away if Gang Green comes out flat or sloppy.
One last thing: If you guys liked the first two editions of "Keys to the Game", I can do it every Tuesday. Let me know in the comments..
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Sanchez had 1 pick
and fumbled on a hit he didn’t see coming…. he was pretty good all game in my opinion. 59% (kinda want it at 62) but not bad, 335 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT…. nothing wrong with that line.
J✈E✈T✈S✈ JETS! ✈JETS! ✈JETS!
The fact he threw for 59% and hasn't been in full sync with mason and burress, stands out.
by jets4life24 on Sep 13, 2011 5:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
59% to 62%
is a matter of a couple completions
J✈E✈T✈S✈ JETS! ✈JETS! ✈JETS!
by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on Sep 13, 2011 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I was pleased with Sanchez..
Sorry if it wasn’t clear in the fanpost, but I liked how Sanchez played. The interception really annoyed me but he played a very solid game all things considered.
by Gallinari's Barbershop on Sep 13, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Sanchez was obviously frustrated with his o-line.
I heard nick mangold couldn’t read the defensive alinements. he couldn’t change their blocking assignments. Dallas had a strong defensive gameplan.
by jets4life24 on Sep 13, 2011 9:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Mark Sanchez placed 30th of all QBs in week 1 as per the new ESPN QB grading system with a 17.6,
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'z SUCK!!? Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones,Spencer Paysinger...Maybe not..
Out of curiosity..
Where did Tony Romo place in ESPNs rankings?
by Gallinari's Barbershop on Sep 14, 2011 11:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Its by far the most indepth QB rating system .. it takes everything into acount.
weather(which means a lot to NY QBs. They dont have the luxury of a climate controlled dome or sunny SD/Miami) , down and distance , Hale Marys…… Way better the the current rating system. IMHO.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6943920/nfl-week-1-total-qbr-leaders
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'z SUCK!!? Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones,Spencer Paysinger...Maybe not..
Serious question...
I see you’re a Giants fan… did you actually watch the Jets game?
I don’t know what kind of a moron could create a system that ranks Sanchez’ performance 30th, behind Alex Smith, Luke McCown, Donovan McNabb (who threw for all of 39 yards), and Tony Romo.
Some idiot on ESPN is going to say that Donovan McNabb’s 39 yards throwing were more valuable to his team in their game. Maybe it is difficult to compare quarterbacks playing in different games, but Romo and Sanchez were matched up directly against each other, and everyone from Fireman Ed to Jerry Jones would tell you that Sanchez was the much more valuable player.
by Gallinari's Barbershop on Sep 14, 2011 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
IDK
but Luke McCown completed 71% of his passes no turnovers . Alex Smith 75% no turnovers. Romo was ripping it up until late in the 4th 1/4. McNabb ? I have no idea.but he is in the bottom 5 . I for one would not of had him lower then DM.
Not a rating system that is perfect (none are). but clearly better then the old QB rating.
And yes I never miss a Jet game.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'z SUCK!!? Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones,Spencer Paysinger...Maybe not..
Well thats the thing...
Mark Sanchez’ numbers are very good. 335 yards, 2 TD, 1 int, and 1 fumble. Thats the same exact game as Romo, except Sanchez did it when it counted, unlike Romo, who did it the whole game except when it really counted. Sanchez also threw for 150 yards more than McCown, 200 yards more than Alex Smith, and 300 yards more than Donovan McNabb. Clearly he is responsible for more of the offense than any of those guys. Maybe he completed less % of his passes than Smith and McCown, but he also did a lot more good for his team. Lets put it this way, the Jets wouldn’t have won with McCown, McNabb, Smith, or Romo under center.
by Gallinari's Barbershop on Sep 14, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Its just a way to measure
The apparently they take turnovers very Sirius. Hence Romo’s Big Ben and Sanchez poor scores.
Former Qbs had input on this way of scoring and tons of film has been reviewed. So for the time being I will give them the benefit of the doubt.
see what next week brings.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'z SUCK!!? Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones,Spencer Paysinger...Maybe not..
You missed the point
Sanchez and Romo’s stats are nearly identical. 2TDs, 1 INT, and 1 fumble for both. Just so happens Romo’s mistakes lost the game. So what gives in the rating? I don’t need so called experts to tell me this. And if I did, I could turn on ESPN and hear the talking heads talking about how Romo lost the game. Conflict?
by CervezaVerde on Sep 15, 2011 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. But what rating system ever took into account Wins ,losses.?
This would help the Vicks of the world :
Run EPA: Clutch-weighted expected points added by the QB through scrambles, designed rushes, and fumbles/fumble returns on running plays.
this may help Sanchez(something he did well last yr.)
Clutch Wt Avg: Average clutch weight on QB action plays. Smaller than 1 means QB was in relatively less clutch situations, greater than 1 means he was in more.
There are lots of variables .. your question may be better answered buy Goggling the scoring system.
In fairness Romo according to my “eyeball test” looked alot more impressive.yet the #s are close.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'z SUCK!!? Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones,Spencer Paysinger...Maybe not..
It could also be guys that Sanchez's INT was a pick-6
And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald
by Noble_Lance on Sep 15, 2011 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions
oh right, it was ruled at the 1 haha I forgot I was in the bathroom when it happened.
And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald
I watched the ESPN special on it
Theoretically i sounded OK, but looking at the sampling from week one, my opinion is its broken just as much as passer rating.
by CervezaVerde on Sep 15, 2011 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
*theoretically it...
I should add I think its worse than QB rating because at least the QB rating charts lists the stats. Clutchiness -.01 means nothing to me and really never can mean anything to me since its opinion based. Even here, you and I watched the same game and have a different opinion which is why stats actually mean more than opinion.
by CervezaVerde on Sep 15, 2011 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, and don't take that as a personal attack against you
It is just a very stupid QB rating system, so my comment can only be regarded as a personal attack against it and the idiots that created it.
by Gallinari's Barbershop on Sep 14, 2011 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I admittedly use an antiquated and outdated system of rating QB's.Their won-lost record and
Sanchez is tied for 1st with one win and zero losses.
by Putnan Prince on Sep 14, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
59% is better than 50%
and I’ve liked these so far man good stuff.
You are right about paper games. Who expected Buffalo to blow out KC? Henne to throw for 400+ yards. Or Brady to get 500+[but he’d be in the 400s if Welker didn’t get 99 yards.] The Ravens finding a way to destroy the Steelers.
And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald
The key to jacksonville.
STOP MJD… even with mike sims-walker the jags struggled when Jones-Drew was getting locked down. Other than marcedes lewis, I don’t know who jacksonville can throw it to.
by jets4life24 on Sep 13, 2011 5:49 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Keys
1 – Stop MJD
2 – Pressure Josh frickin McCown
3 – Stop MJD
4 – Mark Sanchez
5 – Stop MJD
MJD is the heart and soul of this offense…without him, they have basically nothing. Mercedes Lewis is a pretty decent tight end and he can cause some problems, but with a below average o-line and Josh McCown at QB, there is no reason to think we can virtually shut down most of the passing options. Look for Sanchez to have a big game IMO.
Section 128. J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets!
Luke McCown
Slightly younger than Josh McCown, who is his brother.
and the HOLMES of the... JETS!!!
Gang Green Nation.
David Vill on Twitter
Am I just me? Or am I hot in here?
We matchup extremely well against Jags
Our defense can stop the run. I have no doubt about that. That is Devito, Wilkerson and Pouha’s strength. Same with the backups. They can’t get after the quarterback much but we won’t need to. With MJD got to think the Jags are going to try to run alot. By the time they figure out they can’t the game will be over. They also do not have an elite pass rusher like D Ware. Our offensive line should bounce back. We do have 2 excellent lineman in Brick and Mangold, 2 solid in Moore and Slauson. Hunter needs to step up his game big time.
I encourage the posts Gallinari, they are good reads.
I said it before in a Johns post but I think if we rush McCowen up the middle we keep the pressure on him and rattle his inexperienced bones and in addition to that if they use MJD he’s going to be forced to the outside cuz we’ll have the extra men clogging up the whole trying to get to McCowen.
This also allowed single coverage on the outsides which I have full faith in Revis and Cro who can peel off if MJD is running on the outside. I think Wilson needs to have a big game for the D.
I see the run being the biggest threat but Jax may get cute and try to integrate Lewis a lot in the middle so we need to watch for this. But I don’t think it’ll be very successful if we’re pressuring well.
On offense I look for Sanchez to go pass heavy again this week because of Jax’s secondary. I see Plax getting targetted well but I really think they will try to pick on Coleman who I’m assuming will be on Mason this week. Mason has got to step up from Sunday and catch some these balls or Mark’s completion % is back down to 50.
I think our O-Line will be pretty dominant in this game though so I look for a pass heavy first half and heavier with Greene in the second half. This is all going to be dependant on how fast we rocket out of the cannon. We cannot afford a slow start in this game. If we get 1-2 TDs in the first quarter (i’m banking on the first drive being huge) Jax will be forced to look at throwing instead of running. As John B. said Jax will try to play the clock and we need to keep the pace of this game fast to throw them off or it will be a long night.
I think Jim Leonhard should be in the next Nike "Boom" Commercial or at least the next time he makes one of those tackles he needs to jump up with a can of Kool-Aid and shout "Oh yeah".
Don't understand why there is no concern about how Mason played Sunday
He looked old out there, losing his footing on a couple of throws. Should had caught the TD Mark threw to him. Mark put it where only he could had caught it. I really need to see something from him this game.
My father said the exact same thing
But I am not that worried about him yet. He didn’t look good at all and he should have caught that TD pass, but give it another week or two to make sure him and Sanchez are on the same page first. Most of the throws directed at Mason looked like Sanchez may have gotten confused with the route.
Section 128. J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets!
by ManalapanJet on Sep 13, 2011 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Great job!
Keep ‘em comin’. I especially like that you have the names spelled correctly, one of my pet peeves.
and the HOLMES of the... JETS!!!
Gang Green Nation.
David Vill on Twitter
Am I just me? Or am I hot in here?
great
i find it funny you haven’t been on my case yet. i had to put it in my sig
"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengel
i cant spell a nosebleed
The Official Seinfeld Gif-Man of GGN!!!!!!!!
Ain’t none of us perfect.
and the HOLMES of the... JETS!!!
Gang Green Nation.
David Vill on Twitter
Am I just me? Or am I hot in here?
Lol thanks a lot
You’d never guess how many times i had to look up the correct spelling of “Lowery”
by Gallinari's Barbershop on Sep 13, 2011 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
by the way
i was over at the jags site, and they said dereck cox will prob. be out this week. this will definetly help us
"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengel
i cant spell a nosebleed
The Official Seinfeld Gif-Man of GGN!!!!!!!!
and
all you guys, i’m putting up “a ask a jet fan” on the jags site soon. it would be great if we could get guys over there. i always wondered what other fans thought of our teams and what questions they might ask. it takes one day to be allowed on there so if anyone is interested
"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengel
i cant spell a nosebleed
The Official Seinfeld Gif-Man of GGN!!!!!!!!
i just joined them so I'll be around tomorrow tonight to back you up.
And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald
by Noble_Lance on Sep 13, 2011 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks
these guys seem to be a little on the ruff side. never heard someone refer to sanchez as “dirt” before.
"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengel
i cant spell a nosebleed
The Official Seinfeld Gif-Man of GGN!!!!!!!!
you mean Dirty Sanchez?
And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald
by Noble_Lance on Sep 14, 2011 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions
i think he
Was saying dirty sanchez but got cut off.
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
"Real G's move in silence like lasagna.." lol
by TheTealDeal on Sep 14, 2011 7:25 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
nah
dirty sanchez is one thing. dirt? come on.
"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengel
i cant spell a nosebleed
The Official Seinfeld Gif-Man of GGN!!!!!!!!
Marcedes Lewis is apparently injured. Calf injury. I’ll let you guys know if there are any more developments.
Just tryna make bank, bro.
by bobdolethesnapplelady on Sep 13, 2011 8:18 PM EDT reply actions
Derek Cox has also been injured and is apparently out for the game.
Just tryna make bank, bro.
by bobdolethesnapplelady on Sep 13, 2011 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions
So does Drew Coleman assume the #2 CB responsibilities?
Our WR’s have no excuse for not going off..
by Gallinari's Barbershop on Sep 13, 2011 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
drew coleman or
Lowery, which people say isn’t that great as a cb or middleton.
All of them not as good as Derek cox, but we might play more 3 safety formations, kinda like the joker defense that the Florida gators used to play.
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Real fans don’t need a reason.
"Real G's move in silence like lasagna.." lol
by TheTealDeal on Sep 14, 2011 7:28 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Marcedes will play, Derek most likely not
You’ll see some of William Middleton at corner along with Drew Coleman and Dwight Lowery… Roth isn’t even supposed to be a starter….Watch out for the 2 DT’s Knighton and Alualu, Mincey and Roth are both capable but not great..Linebacker is probably our best position with Smith, Posluszny, and Session. Landry and Greene are solid at safety, added with Coleman/Lowery. Mathis was a pro bowler a few years ago but can struggle, he’ll play three excellent quarters of football than do extremely dumb things…On Offense Montell Owens and Deji Karim are the two backs who will come in for MJD, both are quick and they’ll be fresh. Don’t expect any MJD type running, but they can hit the hole and usualy get 6-8 yards. I think the key for the game is Cecil Shorts III (great name) because with Thomas, Hill, and Lewis getting the attention watch for Shorts’ first NFL catch out of the slot. Lastly on ST Our kick/punt return and defense is very good. Scobee has a good leg and is very reliable but Turk was shaky week 1. He had a couple short punts but got a key punt to the 2 yard line in the 4th….Cheers to a great game, Jags on top of course, :)
Jacksonville Jaguars 1-0 Tennessee Titans 0-1......Luke Mccown will lead us to the promised land
by tiquanunderwear on Sep 13, 2011 11:53 PM EDT reply actions
Jags on top of course, :)
of the Draft Board. =)
And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald
by Noble_Lance on Sep 14, 2011 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions
If we will you give me 5 dollars?
Jacksonville Jaguars 1-0 Tennessee Titans 0-1......Luke Mccown will lead us to the promised land
by tiquanunderwear on Sep 14, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure let me get virtual wallet. Oh darn all I have a virtual bite me,, do you take IONOs?
lol
And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald
by Noble_Lance on Sep 14, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
If the Jets can't beat the Jags
then I’m really going to start worrying. The only guy on Jacksonville who scares me is MJD, and he’s not 100%. If Marcedes Lewis had a decent QB throwing to him, I’d show him a bit more respect. I think after embarrassing themselves last week, the Jets D is going to bounce back in a big way.
Great job Gallinari
I’d like to see these every week….and each week how the predictions “did” the week before. Nice job.
Proud to root for the Jets, Mets, and Islanders!!!
Twitter: cmauceri524
good read
keep them coming .
this week i’d like our team to concentrate on what we do well and not worry so much about what the jags do .
our biggest need in this game is for the o-line to step up its play and make some good holes for green to exploit and protect sanchez better . if they can do this then i expect a landslide victory of 20+ points . if they don’t then its squeky bum time and we win by 1 score .
jets 34 jags 9
if its for you it won't pass you
could some one else rec this
so it doesn’t dissapear?
"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengel
i cant spell a nosebleed
The Official Seinfeld Gif-Man of GGN!!!!!!!!
Thanks bro
I appreciate all the reads and everyone who rec’d it.
There will definitely be another edition next week.
by Gallinari's Barbershop on Sep 15, 2011 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions
great
it was a good read. it is also a opprotunity for us to write our predictions.
"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengel
i cant spell a nosebleed
The Official Seinfeld Gif-Man of GGN!!!!!!!!

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