Let's rewind back to October 18, 2009--- a windy, chilly, 44-degree day at the Meadowlands, where the Jets achieved their best rushing total of the season as they scampered for 318 yards on the ground. The defense was excellent, and gave up under 300 yards in a OT game that was essentially 4.5 quarters in length. Unfortunately, Sanchez was an abysmal 10-29 for 119 yards and threw 5 interceptions, and the Jets lost a heartbreaker at the Meadowlands to the Bills In OT, 16-13.
Now, they must travel to Rogers Centre, coming off the short-week, in hopes of avoiding being swept by another division rival this year. Let’s take a quick look at how the game breaks down:
Matchup:
On paper, the matchups clearly favor the Jets.
Offensively, Buffalo ranks #27 in total offense (281.2 ypg) vs. the Jets who are #2 in the NFL in total defense (283.9 ypg).
On the other side of the ball, the GangGreen offense predicated on running the football, which on average, rushes for 161.3 YPG and is currently #2 in the NFL, going against a run-defense that is ranked DEAD-LAST in the NFL giving up 165.1 YPG and 5.0 YPR!!
It's safe to say the Jets should be able to run the football at will tonight.
Venue:
Instead of Ralph Wilson Stadium, the game is being played at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
This is favorable for the jets in three ways:
A) Not having to have our rookie QB travel to Ralph Wilson, which is one of the largest NFL stadiums (max capacity 74K) and a very tough environment for a rookie QB to come into.
B) Fan base should be split evenly. Not a "home game" for the Bills by any means, some would say they got "cheated" out of a home game with this scheduling--- Maybe. Oh well!
C) Weather. Instead of having to deal with 30 MPH wind gusts and a zero-degree wind chill, the roof will be closed. This IMO is HUGE, because Sanchez, being a warm-weather QB from Cali, has shown the propensity to struggle in cold weather, and more-so, with wind. The main reason for his lackluster performance in the last matchup in the Meadowlands was the wind affecting his throws and it really took him out of any rhythm. He never got a feel for or adjusted to it.
I have a feeling Schotty's game-plan tonight for Sanchez will be simple, the dome will allow him to be comfortable, and he’ll be an effective game-manager tonight (as he was last week against Carolina).
Other Notes:
- Expect another 100-yard-game from Thomas Jones, considering he rushed for 210 last meeting.
-Revis has held opposing WR1's to only 31 ypg, and blanketed TO for only 3 receptions totaling 13 yards last matchup.
-Jets will improve upon the intangibles that shot themselves in the foot last matchup. Committing 14 costly penalties for 96 yards, and 0-2 in red-zone conversions which was one of the ongoing themes of that game (not finishing drives). With Keller and Sanchez finally on the same page, and Cotchery back in the mix, the red-zone offense has more weapons in its arsenal and has greatly improved since then.
Prediction:
23-13, The boys in green. Motivation lies on GangGreen's side as they not only look to stay in the playoff hunt, but also get revenge for a game they completely dominated at home and lost. Getting swept by both the Fish and the Bills in the same season is something I just can't see the Vets on the team let happen. Just see the Jets needing to win this game a lot more then the Bills, and them coming out of Canada with the victory.