Time is right for Jets to send message & change perception ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

-- On Overreaction Sunday -- Week 1 of the NFL season -- the New York Jets provided plenty of fodder for those looking to inflate what they accomplished. Let's keep it real, folks. They beat up an inferior opponent, the Cleveland Browns, who were forced into playing a backup quarterback who had barely practiced because of a bum elbow.

The schedule-makers served up a tomato can and the Jets took care of business. Hooray for them.

Now it's opening day 2.0.

On Monday night the Jets step up in class, facing a 2014 playoff team and an elite quarterback in the opponent's home opener. Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts (0-1) will challenge the Jets in ways the Browns never did -- or could -- and this will be revealing indicator for Todd Bowles & Co.This is one of a handful of games in which the Jets will have the disadvantage at quarterback. To make the playoffs they have to win games like this, proving the rest of their roster is strong enough to beat franchise quarterbacks. It has to be their formula.It's also a chance to do something Rex Ryan did only once in his final two seasons -- win two in a row. So there's that.

A few thoughts on Jets-Colts, which kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN  :

1. Hello, America: These are the new New York Jets -- new coach, new quarterback, new everything. This is their only appearance on Monday Night Football, a chance to change the perception of the franchise. Right now they're known across the country as the team whose quarterback, Geno Smith, got punched out in the locker room. You might think it's an unfair label, but something like that sticks to a team. The Jets can send a different message with a big victory on the road. They haven't started 2-0 since 2011.

2. Be the bully: The Jets were a bit surprised to see how the Colts were manhandled last week by Ryan’s Buffalo Bills. At times the Colts seemed almost physically intimidated. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who studied the tape to prepare for the Bills, noted the same thing, saying the Colts "got pushed around.” Look for the Jets to take the same approach, using running back Chris Ivory as their tone-setter. The offensive line believes it can do some damage against the Colts' inexperienced front.

3. Matchup of the night: Nobody in the building will be surprised if the Colts use cornerback Vontae Davis to shadow Brandon Marshall, who made an immediate impact last week. Davis hasn't allowed a touchdown reception since December 2013, so this is a classic best-on-best matchup. They know each other well, as they were teammates with the Miami Dolphins (2010-11). Ryan Fitzpatrick will be tempted to look elsewhere because the Colts won’t have their No. 2 and No. 3 corners, Greg Toler and Darius Butler. This could be a big game for Marshall's sidekick, Eric Decker. They Jets also might unveil rookie receiver Devin Smith, a "go" route waiting to happen.

4. Shuffling the secondary: Cornerback Antonio Cromartie (sprained knee) is a big question mark, so the Jets might have to adjust. A possible contingency plan: Buster Skrine starts for Cromartie and covers the small, but explosive T.Y. Hilton, with Darrelle Revis shadowing Andre Johnson or Donte Moncrief. They leave Revis on his island and use safety help for Skrine. Johnson, who turned 34 in July, is a future Hall of Famer but he doesn’t scare anyone anymore. Aside from Hilton, the biggest concerns are the tight ends, Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener. You might have heard that the Jets have struggled in the past with athletic tight ends. It's why the Jets signed safety Marcus Gilchrist, who has the ability match up in single coverage.

>     http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/54331/time-is-right-for-jets-to-send-message-and-change-perception

[kelly]

Rich Cimini ESPN Staff Writer 

The Jets will try to accomplish something tonight they did only once in the last two seasons under Rex Ryan -- win two games in a row. It may not sound like much, but it would be a baby step in the right direction for a team striving to regain consistency with a new regime.

> http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

Monday night's game will be a measuring stick for the New York Jets, who will hit the road for the first time this season when they play the Indianapolis Colts.Following last week's season opening win over the Cleveland Browns, an emphatic 31-10 win where the Jets dominated both sides of the ball in the second half, this week's opponent is significantly better than the Browns. The Colts are led by one of the game's best quarterbacks in Andrew Luck and this team went to the AFC Championship Game last year. 

"We're going to know about them, no doubt about it," Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath said about this game being a barometer for the Jets. "We have some players we're going to learn more about." Namath singled out Marcus Williams, the cornerback who likely will start if Antonio Cromartie is unable to start.Last week, the Colts lost 27-14 to the Buffalo Bills in a shockingly bad performance in virtually every facet of the game. 

Three Things to Watch from the Jets in Week 2 : 

1. Decimated Colts Secondary – Indianapolis will be without cornerbacks Greg Toler and Darius Butler,removing two of their best cornerbacks from squaring off against the Jets. Toler was injured in training camp and Butler last week; more bad news for a secondary that let Tyrod Taylor have a 123.8 quarterback rating in his NFL debut for the Buffalo Bills. This could be a good (and big) day for Jets wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker if they can get separation.  

2. And Then There's the Run Defense – Not only is the Jets passing offense poised to exploit the injuries to the Colts secondary, the Colts run defense is just bad. The Bills ran all over them last week to the tune of 147 yards on the ground. Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell made mincemeat of the Browns run defense last week, especially in the second half when they found big holes. Could happen again before a national television audience. 

3. Don't Forget About Namath's Pick – That would be Marcus Williams, who stepped in admirably last week when cornerback Antonio Cromartie went down with a knee injury. He had an interception in the second half, building on last year's stretch run where he settled in well. This could be a good statement game for Williams to demand a bigger role on the defense this year. 

> http://www.metro.us/kristian-dyer/3-things-to-watch-for-as-jets-take-on-colts/zsJoit---esgp788CC9CW/

[Jet9]

Next year we should only let the league schedule us with teams that had winning records the year prior. 

 

Anyway, no doubt in my mind that the Jets should win this game. Especially with the Colts CBs being injured. 

[kelly]

-- Andre Johnson and Darrelle Revis have taken familiar paths through the NFL.

Both were first-round draft picks, became perennial Pro Bowlers, became the foundation of their previous teams and packed up and moved away after last season.

Now, two of the league's most respected players face off again Monday night when Revis' Jets meet Johnson's Colts.''You like to go against the best. You always want to go against the best to see where you're at, where your game is at,'' Johnson said this week. ''I'm pretty sure it's the same for him. He likes to go against the best in the game.''

It could be one of the game's most intriguing matchups.

Johnson, the longtime Houston Texans star, could see his role increase dramatically if T.Y. Hilton is hindered by the bruised left knee that kept him out of practice all week until Saturday. Hilton is expected to be a game-time decision.The Jets' secondary also could be missing a key player. Starting cornerback Antonio Cromartie is questionable with a sprained left knee, putting even more pressure on Revis to live up to his reputation as one of the league's top cover men. That was his job with the Jets before his trade to Tampa Bay two years ago and is now after returning to the Jets following last season's Super Bowl in New England.

Plenty has changed this season.

The 34-year-old Johnson has worked out of the slot more than he ever did in Houston, and new Jets coach Todd Bowles is willing to deploy Revis in multiple ways instead of just shadowing each opponent's best receiver. The Colts' high-powered offense makes Bowles' decision this week complicated.''We've got our work cut out for us either way, so it doesn't matter if you follow or double somebody, somebody else is always going to be 1-on-1,'' Bowles said. ''They have good enough guys that can get open.''And they're good enough to score points by the dozens, something that didn't happen last week at Buffalo.

The Jets' defense is every bit as challenging.

Bowles, like Rex Ryan, likes blitzing and if he brings enough pressure, Andrew Luck may again be forced to rely on short, quick throws - something that prevented the 34-year-old Johnson from being the playmaker Indy envisioned in the offseason.Like the Bills, the Jets also have physical cornerbacks such as Revis who can make some of the NFL's top receivers essentially disappear on game day.

''He (Revis) is probably one of the most technically-sound DBs in this league,'' Johnson said. ''He's a heck of a player, but I think they play well as a group. I think they have a great group of guys on the back end and they all complement each other very well. It will be a challenge for us.''

A challenge the 30-year-old Revis finds just as enticing, especially on the prime-time stage.

''Andre is by far one of the best receivers I have ever played against in the past,'' Revis said. ''So it does give them a dynamic on offense. They can use Andre probably just like they did Reggie (Wayne) in the past.''

>   http://sports.yahoo.com/news/andre-johnson-revis-ready-rematch-offseason-moves-064908176--nfl.html

[Integrity28]

I say EFF all of this "perception" and "change the culture" and all the other nonsense making this game about more than just being our week 2 game.

St. Louis beat Seattle in week 1, then got mauled by the Redskins in week 2. It's football. 

 If you win, you win. If you lose, you lose. If they die, they die. The outcome of tonights game isn't going to shift the universe. 

[dbatesman]

Someone writes this article every September, and every time they do we lose the game in question in agonizing fashion. Looking forward to tonight!

[kelly]

— The Jets and new head coach Todd Bowles passed their first of their 16 exams last week with flying colors by pounding the Browns at home. Test No. 2 is scheduled for Monday night at 8:30 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here are our predictions. Here's how to watch. Here are some key matchups. Here is the injury report. 

But can the Jets win ?

Here are five things they'll likely have to do to make that happen.

1. Run the ball. The Jets used a ball-control approach against the Browns—36 rushes, 24 passes—and it would seem to be the blueprint they'll want to stick with as often as possible, but especially as way to keep Colts quarterback Andrew Luck off the field. Running back Chris Ivory (20 carries, 91 yards, two touchdowns last week) has been bothered by a groin injury, but he is expected to play. Ivory is the guy, obviously, but even if he's limited, the Jets still have a versatile, change-of-pace back available in Bilal Powell. No matter what, if the Jets end up throwing it 35-40 times, they could be in trouble.

2. Get Eric Decker involved. When the Jets do throw the ball, Decker ought to be a prime pass-catching target. The Colts are down three of their top four cornerbacks due to injury. The Jets are already showed they like to use Decker in slot; with Vontae Davis, the Colts' best (and healthy) corner likely to be matched up on wideout Brandon Marshall, there are all sorts of potential mismatches for the Jets to exploit with Decker.

3. Contain Andrew Luck. Easier said than done, I know. But Luck, the Colts' outstanding young quarterback, is mortal: Last week, the Bills blitzed him a ton (47 percent of his dropbacks, per Pro Football Focus) to win. In 2013, when Bowles was the defensive coordinator with the Cardinals, his unit pounded Luck in a blowout win by not blitzing (33 percent, per PFF). Which approach will the Jets take Monday night? "The first two or three series will tell a lot and that can either ramp you up or that can scale you back depending on how the game's going," Bowles said. "It's kind of a chess match in the beginning. "

4. Don't turn it over. See No. 1 above. This is kind of an evergreen point to make, but it's especially pertinent when facing a quarterback like Luck. The Jets were tied for dead last in turnover margin last season. They were plus-4 against the Browns, and won by three touchdowns. If they can control it—and their run-blocking was also terrific. Do that again Monday night, they can win.

5. Watch the tight ends. Luck has three prominent wideouts in T.Y. Hilton, Andre Johnson, and Donte Moncrief. But they also do a lot with multiple tight ends. Dwayne Allen was targeted five times last week against the Bills, and Coby Fleener once. The Jets figure to play a lot of nickel with Buster Skrine, whom defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said can guard tight ends. But it will be interesting to see what the Jets do to match up across the board.

>   http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/5_things_jets_must_do_to_beat_indianapolis_colts.html#incart_river

[southparkcpa]

Someone writes this article every September, and every time they do we lose the game in question in agonizing fashion. Looking forward to tonight!

At least we dont have to listen to the "Err..this loss is on me. I was outcoached.  We have to get better."

[prime21]

Bills went after him with success but that doesn't mean we will have the same results.  No, DB's, a hurt #1 WR and a lack of running game all sounds great on paper but when the game starts it's all about execution.  Hopefully our running game will set up the pass and I hope our defense is up to the challenege of facing such a dynamic QB.

 

Don't "Play like a Jet".  Instead lets "Play Smart"  

[GREENBEAN]

I say EFF all of this "perception" and "change the culture" and all the other nonsense making this game about more than just being our week 2 game.

St. Louis beat Seattle in week 1, then got mauled by the Redskins in week 2. It's football. 

 If you win, you win. If you lose, you lose. If they die, they die. The outcome of tonights game isn't going to shift the universe. 

You don't know that. It's just your perception. 

[slats]

This is one of a handful of games in which the Jets will have the disadvantage at quarterback.

Uhmmm... 

[jgb]

Uhmmm... 

#fitzmagic

[Integrity28]

You don't know that. It's just your perception. 

lol, no I KNOW

[New York Mick]

You long winded mother****er. Every one of your post are a short novel. 

[Jetster]

Bills went after him with success but that doesn't mean we will have the same results.  No, DB's, a hurt #1 WR and a lack of running game all sounds great on paper but when the game starts it's all about execution.  Hopefully our running game will set up the pass and I hope our defense is up to the challenege of facing such a dynamic QB.

 

Don't "Play like a Jet".  Instead lets "Play Smart"  

Hated the "play like a Jet" tag line! 

Weve been pretty bad, how about, play like a PRO, or, play like an extremely smart football player,lol. Or as Bill Parcells said, "don't play like a schmo!"

[kelly]

Rich Cimini ESPN Staff Writer 

Calvin Pace, a Jet since 2008, was asked after last night's win the last time he felt this good about the team. "2010, with LT and JT," he said, referring to LaDainian Tomlinson and Jason Taylor. "This is close to that type of feeling." The Jets reached the AFC Championship that year.

> http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

Examining the early signs: Are Jets contenders or pretenders  ?

          Kyle Gaffney @citizenGaffney

@RichCimini #jetsmail What signs will point to this team being real contenders or just a flash in the pan  ?

 

@RichCimini: It's too soon to anoint them as "real contenders," but let me throw out some knowledge. Since 1990, when the NFL went to the current playoff format, 63 percent of the teams that started 2-0 made the playoffs. The number jumps to 75 percent for 3-0 teams. OK, enough stats talk. Let's discuss some of the "signs," as you call them.‌It all starts with the defense. Their ability to dominate a game in two places -- at the point of attack and downfield in the secondary -- should allow the Jets to stay close in every game, even against the top offenses. That's an unusual trait. Some teams can do one, but not the other. The Jets have the big horses to deal with a smash-mouth rushing attack and they have the small, fast people to defend a wide-open passing attack.The schedule also is favorable. They have only four games against elite quarterbacks -- Tom Brady (twice), Eli Manning and Tony Romo, assuming he's back to being Romo by Week 15. This is such a quarterback-driven league, and it's an unbelievable break to have just four games against the best of the best. It's a far cry from last year, when it was Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Brady in a 12-day span.

The Jets' offense still is a work in progress, but at least they're not doing dumb things. They have only two giveaways and they've cut down on the penalties, compared to the preseason. That's a good start. Todd Bowles believes it can take anywhere from four to six games before a team forms its identity. In the meantime, the goal is to play fundamentally sound football, minimizing mistakes and making the opponent beat themselves.As usual, it'll probably come down to quarterback play. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been just good enough, benefiting from great field position (thanks to nine takeaways by the defense) and not having to play serious catch-up. If the Jets can maintain that formula for the long haul, yes, they will be real contenders.

>   http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/54483/examining-the-early-signs-are-jets-contenders-or-pretenders

 

[jgb]

Before Colts game "Colts are playoff contenders with elite QB" after game "Colts are sputtering and not a real opponent thus Jets still stink"

Jets won't beat any "good" teams this year because media's definition of "bad" is "losing to the Jets"

[slats]

Before Colts game "Colts are playoff contenders with elite QB" after game "Colts are sputtering and not a real opponent thus Jets still stink"

Don't know about the thus Jets stink, but that's a pretty fair evaluation of the Colts. The had a lot of preseason hype, mostly centering around Andrew Luck, but two games in they definitely look like they're in disarray. 

Jets need to beat a bad Eagles team at home tomorrow to avoid any same ol' Jets talk. And if they do, they'll still be a "shaky 3-0 team" in some article next week. You can only play your schedule, but so far they haven't played anyone good. 

[FidelioJet]

Don't know about the thus Jets stink, but that's a pretty fair evaluation of the Colts. The had a lot of preseason hype, mostly centering around Andrew Luck, but two games in they definitely look like they're in disarray. 

Jets need to beat a bad Eagles team at home tomorrow to avoid any same ol' Jets talk. And if they do, they'll still be a "shaky 3-0 team" in some article next week. You can only play your schedule, but so far they haven't played anyone good. 

I'm not sure that's the case.  They played, what's likely to be, two of the top 5 defenses in the NFL (maybe the two best)  It's a tough way to start a season.  They'll end up being pretty good when all's said and done.

 

 

[joewilly12]

Blow out the Eagles and send a message to the NFL 

[Savage69]

Blow out the Eagles and send a message to the NFL 

The Eagles are 0-2 blow out the Pats and that would be sending a message..LOL 

[slats]

I'm not sure that's the case.  They played, what's likely to be, two of the top 5 defenses in the NFL (maybe the two best)  It's a tough way to start a season.  They'll end up being pretty good when all's said and done.

 

 

Bills defense didn't look very top 5 last week. 

Two weeks into the season is way to early to draw any conclusions, but I'm happy with the Jets' performance so far. They've been aggressive, disciplined, and successful. Hard not to like. Definitely not sold on them yet, though, based on the competition they've faced. I suspect the Colts aren't very good. They'll get some wins and win that weak division, but they look like a one & done team come the postseason. 

[neckdemon]

The Eagles are 0-2 blow out the Pats and that would be sending a message..LOL 

i dont think scoring on the patriots will be a problem. by then we have sheldon back too......i'm interested to see how we do

[Savage69]

i dont think scoring on the patriots will be a problem. by then we have sheldon back too......i'm interested to see how we do

Can't wait..

[jgb]

Bills defense didn't look very top 5 last week. 

Two weeks into the season is way to early to draw any conclusions, but I'm happy with the Jets' performance so far. They've been aggressive, disciplined, and successful. Hard not to like. Definitely not sold on them yet, though, based on the competition they've faced. I suspect the Colts aren't very good. They'll get some wins and win that weak division, but they look like a one & done team come the postseason. 

so then also too early to draw conclusion colts overrated. Media definition of "bad" is "not losing to jets" to wit, jets will not beat any good teams this year according to media. The story will be "[team that jets just beat] were clearly overhyped."

 

dont care but that's how I see it