New York Jets vs. Dallas Cowboys -- Sunday, Sep. 11, 8:25 p.m. EST
Location: Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
TV Coverage: NBC
Record: 2-7 overall in favor of the Cowboys.
The last time the Jets faced the Cowboys in 2007, Nick Folk kicked several field goals against NY in a Thanksgiving Day massacre where the Cowboys beat the Jets 34-3.
Because of NFL formatting, the Jets and the Cowboys typically play once every four years.
The Jets have not beaten Dallas since Bill Parcells coached for NY.
Injury reports:
Jets Out WR Logan Payne, C Robert Turner
Cowboys Out TE Martellus Bennett, CB Terence Newman, WR Laurent Robinson Questionable C Phil Costa, CB Mike Jenkins, T Tyron Smith.
This game is choc to the gills with storylines. Two of the largest market teams of the most popular sport in America face off on national television on the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks that affected not only the host teams metro area but the entire country and world. Buddy Ryan told his doctors to postpone surgery to treat glandular cancer so that he may see his sons duke it out at the newly named Metlife stadium. Rex has promised to defeat his brother again. Plaxico Burress returns to the New York stage. A third year QB makes his regular season debut, as does a new, younger defensive line.
I have some big shoes to fill, but let's try and break this puppy down, after the jump.
Rankings:
Offense: NYJ was ranked 3rd overall in defense last season, compared to Dallas which ranked at 23.
Defense: Dallas was ranked 7th overall in offense in 2010, compared to the Jets who ranked 11 overall. The Jets were 4th in rushing yards per game in 2010.
The Key Matchup will be dynamic reciever set of Miles Austin and Dez Bryant attempting to navigate Revis Island and Cromartie Peninsula. I think our boys are more than up to the task. This matchup is largely dependent on how successful our revamped D line is in stopping the run as well as pressuring Tony Romo, who could rely heavily on Jason Witten to get rid of the ball. The safeties and linebackers response to Witten could also be a major factor in the game.
The game will be won or lost by: QB Mark Sanchez
Injuries and favorable matchups should leave the Jets sitting pretty. The Jets stout defense should be able to handle the Cowboys to the extent where NY can outpace Dallas in scoring. Provided his aged receiving replacements can pick up the slack, the game will largely fall on the shoulders of our third year QB to thread the needle and keep the Cowboys defense honest. A particular threat to Sanchez will likely be OLB DeMarcus Ware, who rivals Revis for one of the greatest defenders in the NFL.
Bottom Line:
The Jets were a babies breath away from the Super Bowl two years running now, while the Cowboys are looking to regain their old form as SB champions. No punches will be pulled, between the teams or their coaches. The Jets have a large pool of new faces replacing other players, both rookies and vets. In the end, I think Rex Ryan will continue to showcase his superior defensive coaching skills, and the Jets will mitigate the potentially powerful Cowboys offense. Mark Sanchez and his changing supporting cast will have to bridge the gap, as will Schotty.
Prediction: Jets 24 Cowboys 20
Finally, the regular season, and real football, is here. Rejoice in the comments selection below.
J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!!!