Kentucky Jet Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Jets Game Day: Mark Sanchez looking to continue playing turnover-free football Published: Sunday, October 03, 2010, 5:00 AM Colin Stephenson/The Star-Ledger THIS WEEK'S GAME REVOLVES AROUND ... Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez The last time Sanchez played against the Bills, he left after three quarters with a knee injury. And the time before that, he threw five interceptions in what was almost certainly his worst start as a professional. In that game, the Jets rushed for over 300 yards and lost in overtime. This season, the second-year quarterback has yet to commit a turnover, which is clearly a sign of growth. If Sanchez can play turnover-free football, the Jets could have their way with the 0-3 Bills. But if the Jets take Buffalo lightly, and the Bills end up being Sanchez’s Kryptonite, the Jets could be in for a bad day. THREE THINGS THE BILLS DON'T WANT THE JETS TO KNOW When and where they'll use C.J. Spiller Exciting rookie C.J. Spiller will be getting more and more touches, and will give AFC East defensive players and coaches some headaches over the next few seasons. Just ask the Patriots how dangerous Spiller is; he scored on a 5-yard WR screen and a 95-yard KO return last week. They have faith in their young QB That much was clear when the Bills parted with Trent Edwards, who started the opener. Harvard grad Ryan Fitzpatrick (247 yards, 2 TDs vs. Patriots) is smart enough to know that without Darrelle Revis, the Jets’ DBs really aren’t that special right now. His two fourth-quarter INTs last week, however, were troubling. Poz is back After sitting out the past two weeks with a knee injury, linebacker Paul Posluszny (eight tackles, one sack in the opener) returns to face the Jets — something he has enjoyed in the past. In four career games against them, he has 28 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and two interceptions. THE SAVVY FOOTBALL FAN SHOULD BE WATCHING ... How Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine will use newly acquired Trevor Pryce. The Jets’ defensive gurus have to be pleased with the depth Pryce adds to a front three that has held its own without Kris Jenkins. Pryce is the perfect defensive end for the 3-4 defense, occupying the offensive line so the linebackers can make plays. Adding him to the rotation with Matt DeVito and Sione Pouha is a boost. ONE MORE THING Buffalo wideout Lee Evans will be playing in his 100th career NFL game today. He’s started 92 of the previous 99. POSITION BREAKDOWNS Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has taken over as Buffalo’s No. 1 QB from Trent Edwards. Mark Sanchez, though, has had two good games in a row. Edge: Jets Running back The way LaDainianTomlinson is playing, the Jets will have the advantage at this position fairly often. Marshawn Lynch has 156 yards and a 4.7 average for the Bills. Edge: Jets Wide receiver Is Roscoe Parrish ready to break out and become a No. 1 receiver in his sixth year in the league? He’s averaging 16.9 yards a catch. And Steve Johnson’s averaging 15.2. Edge: Bills Offensive line Jets are averaging 130-plus rushing yards per game, and have allowed five sacks. Bills have given up eight sacks. Edge: Jets Defensive line Former Baltimore Raven Dwan Edwards is developing into a solid player for the Bills. Jets are getting good production from Sione Pouha and Mike DeVito. Edge: Jets Linebackers Bills signed their guy, Chris Kelsay, to a four-year, $24 million extension this week. The Jets’ David Harris is still waiting to get his. Edge: Jets Secondary Bills have given up 664 passing yards, but have no INTs. Jets have given up 824 yards, but have four picks. Edge: Jets Special teams Jets PR Jim Leonhard is averaging 16.2 yards per punt return. P Steve Weatherford is fifth in net average (41.3) and is tied for third with most punts inside the 20 (with 7). Edge: Jets Coaching Chan Gailey was a winning coach when he coached the Cowboys. These Bills aren’t the Cowboys. Edge: Jets FOUR DOWNS WITH JETS RB JOE MCKNIGHT Q: The last time you got on the field, you had a couple fumbles in the final preseason game, and coach Rex Ryan expressed disappointment in you. You haven’t been active for the first three games of the season. How are you holding up? A: I feel like things have changed since that last game. I wasn’t really comfortable with everything at first, but now I feel like I’m more comfortable with the system, and I feel like I can just go out and make plays now. Q: How is your relationship with Ryan and the coaching staff these days? A: The relationship with the coaching staff, I feel is good. We don’t have any problems. All the problems we do have is me not performing on the field or not holding on to the ball. So right now, I’m just trying to fight just to get that perception out of their heads. Q: How do you do that? A: You usually want to go out every day and practice hard and give the team a good effort — just let them know you’re ready. And once you keep doing it, your time will come. You’ve just got to be patient. Q: How’s your off-the-field life here? Is your family living here with you in New Jersey? A: No, but they’re all coming out here right now, to visit. My son is coming out this weekend, Jaiden. He’s about to turn 2. He lives in California. He’s not going to Buffalo, but he’s going to stay here and when I get back (from Buffalo) he’ll still be here. He’s going to be here for a while. Colin Stephenson: cstephenson@starledger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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