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Jets vs Chargers Preview, Prediction


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On Sunday the New York Jets (3-3) take on the San Diego Chargers (4-1) at MetLife Stadium (1pm EST).  The Jets are coming off of a win against the Miami Dolphins while San Diego comes east following a bye week.  Lets take a look at some of the keys to the game from the Jets perspective.

Offense

Avoid slow start- The New York Jets offense must find a way to get in sync early on and avoid repeated 3 and outs.  In the last two games the Jets started off with 4 three and out series and that trend cannot continue on Sunday if Gang Green wants  to have any chance to win.  I would not be surprised to see the Jets use some more of the hurry up offense (actually I highly recommend that), quick slant passes to Holmes and Kerley, or screen passes to LaDainian Tomlinson to get Mark Sanchez comfortable in the passing game.

Spread the field- In order to keep the San Diego defense on their toes the Jets have to find ways to spread the field.  Whether that means opening up the passing game in 3 or 4 receiver formations or featuring post patterns for Plaxico Burress, something has to be done to prevent the Chargers defense from stacking the box and jumping routes.  If the Jets are able to effectively spread the field, the power running game can then be introduced.

Red zone efficiency- The New York Jets offense cannot settle for field goals in the red zone. The Chargers have the ability to put up points in bunches, therefore a premium should be put on every trip inside the 20.  One play that the Jets should try more is the fade pass to Plaxico Burress as he is a huge physical receiver that should win every jump ball.

Defense

Secondary play- The San Diego passing game is very explosive (averaging 293 yards a game) which will put a lot of pressure on the Jets secondary in terms of coverage and tackling.  The Jets defensive backs must be very physical at the line of scrimmage and prevent the Chargers receivers from getting clean breaks into open space.  A major concern for the Jets secondary will be handling the size of the San Diego receivers as both Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd are listed at 6’5. If Gang Green’s defensive backs play soft in coverage they will get mauled by these receivers.   Note: Keep an eye on defensive back Antonio Cromartie who will be playing against his former team.  Cromartie is a very emotional player and there is a chance he could come out very aggressive which may result in big plays for either team.

The Gates factor- As of now tight end Antonio Gate’s status for Sunday is unknown.  If the Pro-Bowl tight end does play on Sunday the Jets defense is going to have their hands full as he is one of the best in the NFL.  Gang Green must find ways to contain Gates and will probably look to a safety/linebacker combination in order to do so.

Contain the edge- The New York Jets defense has struggled against the run and a large part of that has to do with containing the edge.  Gang Green’s front seven, mainly the linebackers, must do a better job of shedding blocks and getting to the ball carrier.  The Jets cannot afford to give up big plays in the running game as they will then be left exposed to a very aggressive passing attack.

Prediction

This is going to be a very interesting game for the Jets as the Chargers are a very talented team on both sides of the ball.  The Jets will be inspired by LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Cromartie as they face their old squad, while the Chargers will more than likely be fueled by Rex Ryan’s comments during the week.

At the end of the day the game is going to come down to the performance of Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense.  If Gang Green’s offense cannot consistently move the chains the Jets are going to be in for a long afternoon.  Philip Rivers is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and will have no problem taking advantage of a Jets defense that is on the field for an extended period of time.

In all honestly it is hard for me to pick the Jets in this game as their offensive struggles are a huge concern.  In addition I have some issues with the defensive match-ups against the Charger passing game as well.  I hope I am wrong.   Chargers 28-20

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I agree with that prediction, but I think its going to be 31-27 Jets. Finally the offense will pull its head out of its a$$. Tomlinson will be amped, crowd will be into it,and Sanchez goes to no huddle and starts hitting some big plays down field. I think the defense will make some plays too. Offense is the key to keep the defense off the field, they must convert 3rd downs, that will go a long way to determine which way this game goes. Too many 3& outs and their finished.

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The genius commentators on ESPN are almost all picking the Chargers because "the Jets can't stop the run". I think that is waaaaaay overstating it. The Jets defense is plenty stout up the middle. The majority of the alleged problem stopping the run came from 3 plays against the Raiders, a cut back, a reverse and a broken play and the fact they the Patriots were able to run on a defense with 38 defensive backs down the stretch. Those plays weren't acceptable, but teams haven't been running the Jets over. As (presumably) Tyson stated, they have to be careful to set the edge. This could be a problem with Westerman in there. I think he's a little smaller than Thomas and he's way less experienced. He had trouble with it a couple of plays against the Dolphins. Personally I think the run defense will be fine.

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The genius commentators on ESPN are almost all picking the Chargers because "the Jets can't stop the run". I think that is waaaaaay overstating it. The Jets defense is plenty stout up the middle. The majority of the alleged problem stopping the run came from 3 plays against the Raiders, a cut back, a reverse and a broken play and the fact they the Patriots were able to run on a defense with 38 defensive backs down the stretch. Those plays weren't acceptable, but teams haven't been running the Jets over. As (presumably) Tyson stated, they have to be careful to set the edge. This could be a problem with Westerman in there. I think he's a little smaller than Thomas and he's way less experienced. He had trouble with it a couple of plays against the Dolphins. Personally I think the run defense will be fine.

I'm more optimistic than both, but didn't the Dolphins average 7 ypc against us? I don't know how that happened, considering they had Matt Moore at QB, you figure we would be playing the run better.

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I'm more optimistic than both, but didn't the Dolphins average 7 ypc against us? I don't know how that happened, considering they had Matt Moore at QB, you figure we would be playing the run better.

They didn't average 7. They averaged 4.7. Still not great, but that is a big difference. Bush averaged 7, but got half his yards on one carry. The main thing is that the Jets were up most of the game and playing as close to a prevent as they get. That will let teams get yards. They had extra DBs and Maybin in the game. Teams will get some yards on that.

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I dont know what it is and this should make you all feel horrible about the Jets chances, but I really like the Jets in this game. I think they match up really well vs. the Chargers. The Bolts arent all that. They are squeaking out wins against some poor teams and got spanked by the only team they've faced with a winning record.

I think Revis/Cro shut down Vincent/Floyd. With the Jets focusing heavily on stopping the run and Gates (if he's even healthy). I still believe in this defense and think if the offense can just move the chains and not keep sending the D back on the field after 3 plays, they can shut down the Chargers.

Jets 23 Chargers 13

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