Pre-Game Thread - New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals (1 Viewer)

[Jeff Pasquino]

 

[Txns8]

A little premature here? The Texans still have a shot...

 

[Raider Nation]

DO IT FOR SLIM!!!

 

[Chase Stuart]

Jets with a tour de force atop the "traditional championship" categories:

#1 rushing yards

#1 rushing first downs

#1 passing yards allowed

#1 passing yards per attempt allowed

#1 yards allowed

#1 first downs allowed

#1 points allowed

#1 offensive touchdowns allowed

 

[Routilla]

Jets by 10+

 

[BobbyLayne]

Jets with a tour de force atop the "traditional championship" categories:

#1 rushing yards

#1 rushing first downs

#1 passing yards allowed

#1 passing yards per attempt allowed

#1 yards allowed

#1 first downs allowed

#1 points allowed

#1 offensive touchdowns allowed

This sounds vaguely familiar, like I read it on the Fifth Down or PFR blog...what is the correlation between the stats and the path to the SB. A link would be great, TIA.Perhaps more important: How many rookie QBs have won a road playoff game?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Jets with a tour de force atop the "traditional championship" categories:

#1 rushing yards

#1 rushing first downs

#1 passing yards allowed

#1 passing yards per attempt allowed

#1 yards allowed

#1 first downs allowed

#1 points allowed

#1 offensive touchdowns allowed

This sounds vaguely familiar, like I read it on the Fifth Down or PFR blog...what is the correlation between the stats and the path to the SB. A link would be great, TIA.Perhaps more important: How many rookie QBs have won a road playoff game?

I've been saying these things for the past month and a half I don't think many teams have done what the Jets have done -- top pass defense, top scoring defense, top defense, top rushing offense -- so finding comps will be difficult. But the Jets are very good at everything except passing the ball. The Jets went 9-7, but they lost five games in the final minute. Five different plays, and the Jets could have been 14-2, even with the same crappy QB play. So I think the Jets are very real, and as long as Sanchez doesn't implode and the Jets don't fall behind early, they'll handle Cincinnati.

 

[Mike]

The Bengals showed the Jets nothing. I'd still lean to Cincy winning at home with neither passing game doing too much but Sanchez getting rattled. Bengals have to account for the wildcat. The running game should perform much better with a fresh Cedric Benson in there.

 

[whole-show]

:bengals:

 

[SierraKiloBravo]

I say CIN wins by 10-14 points. But for IND pulling their starters, NYJ isn't in the playoffs.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I tend to think 2 things will be very different, personnel aside, next week.

1) The Bengals will run the ball more than 4 times in the first half.

2) How many blitzes (run or pass) did the Bengals do last night? I think they'll do a few more next week.

I think it'll be an interesting battle and a good chess match of a game. We don't win by throwing and we won't win by throwing next week.

For a little full-circle type justice I'll say 12-7 Bengals.

-QG

 

[Father Guido Sarducci]

Jets have some nice talent, but they've also got a rookie QB, and asking Sanchez to win a road playoff game might be a bit much. I'll pick the Bengals.

 

[Gatorman]

LOL that the jets are using a "gimmick" to win games.

 

[djcolts]

Jets with a tour de force atop the "traditional championship" categories:

#1 rushing yards

#1 rushing first downs

#1 passing yards allowed

#1 passing yards per attempt allowed

#1 yards allowed

#1 first downs allowed

#1 points allowed

#1 offensive touchdowns allowed

This sounds vaguely familiar, like I read it on the Fifth Down or PFR blog...what is the correlation between the stats and the path to the SB. A link would be great, TIA.Perhaps more important: How many rookie QBs have won a road playoff game?

Flacco won two road playoff games last year.

 

[ChargersOH]

Totally depends what Jeckyll and Hyde incarnation of both teams show up.

I'd bet Cinci puts 9 in the box and changes tactics with Cotchery next week, and Zimmer has more beef in there.

It wouldn't surprise me to see the score reversed in Cinci, with the Bengals blowing out the Jets.

 

[Reaper]

Jets have some nice talent, but they've also got a rookie QB, and asking Sanchez to win a road playoff game might be a bit much. I'll pick the Bengals.

As I've said in every such thread.. IMO, the Jets season is a rousing successs... My goal was to see just see the team develop with a rookie HC and QB and to start the season I listed Leon and Jenkins as two guys who would devastate their season if lost...Well, they lost both guys and sit here entering the playoffs...At this point, every meaninful game is more valuable experience for Sanchez for next year.From here on out it's gravy, and yeah the Jets lucked out but, I can't point to another team that deserves the playoff spot - Every one of em had their shot.All that said, Cincinnati hasn't played great ball and just can't be too confident this week... We'll see if they really sat back last night and if they can turn on some magic switch.Sure, this is anyone's game but, I certainly like the Jets chances.

 

[Steeler]

If the Pats and Jets win this week then NYJ would play at IND... right?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Totally depends what Jeckyll and Hyde incarnation of both teams show up.I'd bet Cinci puts 9 in the box and changes tactics with Cotchery next week, and Zimmer has more beef in there.It wouldn't surprise me to see the score reversed in Cinci, with the Bengals blowing out the Jets.

Teams have put 8, 9 and 10 in the box on the Jets all season long. I think you can guarantee Cincinnati doing that.Not sure it's going to work, though.

 

[djcolts]

If the Pats and Jets win this week then NYJ would play at IND... right?

Yes. If that happens, I won't watch ESPN or NFL Network that week - the storylines are too easy.

 

[Chase Stuart]

If the Pats and Jets win this week then NYJ would play at IND... right?

Yes. If that happens, I won't watch ESPN or NFL Network that week - the storylines are too easy.

Agreed. I suppose the Colts could beat the Jets in a rematch, but I wouldn't count on it.

 

[Parrothead]

So is Chad 'Ochocinco' chaning his name back to Johnson as promised?

 

[Angry Beavers]

I say CIN wins by 10-14 points. But for IND pulling their starters, NYJ isn't in the playoffs.

Predicting it now.. The NYJ beat Cincy, to set up NYJ at Indy and NYJ win that game as well......................

 

[MCguidance]

Gibbs, Theisman, and Hammond in the booth is not a great batch for this game.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I don't think we can completely dismiss last night's result, but neither is it a clear sign that the Bengals don't belong on the same field as the Jets. I think it's more likely that the Bengals see this week as a chance to prove that last week was a fluke rather than spend all week wondering if they belong on the same field. The Bengals have thrived on the underdog, lack of respect, nobody wanted us card all season long.

Working in the Bengals favor in one form or another:

***The game is in Cincinnati. The Bengals lost badly to Houston at PBS, but the game against DEN in W1 was early and a fluke. They've handled PIT and BAL at home and held off a not-so-bad KC offense. They've won five straight at home.

***Bernard Scott and Larry Johnson have flashed at times, but neither have been as consistent inside and outside as Cedric Benson. I think he'll have more success against the Jets. The Bengals sat their second tight end last night and used very few power running formations with a tackle eligible. They may have gotten blown off the line of scrimmage, but the rush attack last night was as vanilla and limited as it's been all season.

***The Jets manhandled the Bengals' defensive line. However, that line was missing it's two best run defenders -- LE Robert Geathers and NT Domata Peko -- and boasted a dinged up Tank Johnson and then lost rotational talent Pat Sims early. The loss of Sims and Rey Maualuga is an issue, as is the inconsistent run defense of Keith Rivers and Dhani Jones, but this defense has been much better against the run than they showed last night. The Jets simply aren't going to get to the second level as often next week.

***The Jets, before the score and TOP obviated the need to do so, showed mulitple offensive formations and a couple of new Wildcat wrinkles (option and Smith under center). The Bengals are very familiar with Rex Ryan's complicated blitz/zone coverage schemes and generally did very well against a more talented Baltimore defense in those matchups.

***The Bengals, on the other hand, didn't run blitz to my recollection. They did nothing special on offense as noted above. They dropped multiple passes. It's not rocket science, but the Jets safeties and Lito Sheppard are going to be tested. There's going to be more power formations and better seven-on-seven matchups up front when the Bengals run. Cris Collinsworth could have mentioned any of this if he wasn't too busy throwing his former team under the embarrassment bus.

***The above issues suggest a much closer time of possession split next week. They suggest that a rookie quarterback will be facing more down and distance issues and doing so on the road. They suggest that turnovers are going to rule the day.

I see the Jets momentum. I see the stud defensive numbers and the stout rush offense numbers. I see the Bengals' issues moving the football over the past month, problems with delay of game and OL penalties and defensive injuries. I still see a very close and likely low scoring game. I think Vegas has this one about right. Possible slight edge to the Bengals on home field with a low O/U. It's not surprising that most are on the Jets after their recent performance. But this one has 17-14, 20-17 feel to it. I *think* I'd rather have the home team and experienced quarterback here, but am far from ready to call it a slam dunk either way.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I think this game is very likely going to be 13-10 in the 4th quarter.

The most infuriating thing for the Jets, as a fan, is watching them kick 20 yard field goals. The Jets have attempted SEVEN field goals in the first three quarters of games this season, including in close losses to Buffalo and Miami. Not getting 7 points comes back to haunt you, and this Jets team simply can't afford to give away points, which is what you're doing when you kick a 20 yard field goal. The Jets do not have a big play offense, so if they want to score TDs, they need to convert at the goal line. The Jets GL offense is very good, but they get conservative kicking FGs there. I hope that in the playoffs the Jets go for it on 4th down more often, but I'm not convinced that's going to happen.

These two teams are evenly matched, although I think the Jets are slightly better. The Jets have an incredible pass defense, while the Bengals merely have a very good one. The Jets pass defense is the best unit in this game. Both teams are good against the run, although I think the Bengals run D is a bit overrated (very good in YPC allowed, but below average in DVOA). Call this a push. Running offense, Jets are a bit better than Cincinnati. Since Benson came back, he had two 100-yard games, but they were against Detroit (on 3.0 YPC) and Kansas City. The Jets do better against the faster type of RB than the power type, so I could see Benson having some big plays and moving the chains, but I think the Jets will be able to overpower the Bengals more frequently. They lead the league in rush attempts, rushing yards, and rushing first downs for a reason; they can run the ball when you know it's coming, get a first down, rinse and repeat.

The one area where the Bengals should have the advantage is in the passing game. Palmer and Ochocinco are better than Sanchez and Cotchery. But for whatever reason, the Bengals passing attack just hasn't been that good this year. The OL is a better run blocking than pass blocking unit, I think, and perhaps Cincy struggles due to not having good pass catching backs and tight ends. Palmer averaged only 6.6 yards per attempt this season; Sanchez averaged 6.7 yards per attempt. Palmer can be an elite QB, but whether it's due to his injury or a lack of depth or poor blocking, he's not getting it done this year (even on a per attempt basis).

The Jets biggest flaw is obvious -- Sanchez averaged nearly 2 turnovers per game this season, and don't expect him to do well in the cold. But if there's one area of a football game that's unpredictable, it's turnovers. Recall that the Dolphins broke the NFL record for turnovers in a season, with just 13 turnovers in 16 games. Miami committed 5 TOs in its first round playoff loss. Turnovers aren't fluky, but they're unpredictable. When a play happens only one or twice a game, it's not unusual for it to happen 0 times over two or three games, or 4 times in one game. If the Jets are losing early, it's a bad sign, but otherwise I feel pretty confident that Sanchez will be able to do enough not to lose the game, and the Jets run O/D will do enough to win it.

 

[Jene Bramel]

The OL is a better run blocking than pass blocking unit, I think, and perhaps Cincy struggles due to not having good pass catching backs and tight ends. Palmer averaged only 6.6 yards per attempt this season; Sanchez averaged 6.7 yards per attempt. Palmer can be an elite QB, but whether it's due to his injury or a lack of depth or poor blocking, he's not getting it done this year (even on a per attempt basis).

This is what the Bengals wanted and they're not deviating from the plan, live or die.The line was built for a power running game. Gone are the pulling guards and Power O staples of the Eric Steinbach days. Gone (thankfully) is the undersized and chronically on his heels Eric Ghiaciuc at center. Gone are the once quick-footed tackles like Willie Anderson and Levi Jones. In their place now are a bunch of brawlers with more size than athleticism. That's all relative of course and Andrew Whitworth has been very good protecting the blind side. But this line doesn't move well and doesn't deal with pressure off the edge well. The backs and tight ends aren't as good in pass protection as Kenny Watson and Reggie Kelly were.The lost second or two of pass protection kills the preferred passing routes of this particular offensive coordinator. If Palmer has to shuffle his feet at the top of his drop, the timing to Ochocinco's deep outs, deep ins and post routes is killed. Even when Chris Henry was around, deep sideline routes were the exception because they took too long to develop. However, it's been rare that the team operates out of bunch routes to get underneath routes open. The quick slant and bubble screen are rarely called to get Ochocinco the ball. Most of the drops are seven step drops. Since the other receivers, backs and tight ends struggle to get separation, you're left with a low percentage passing game. Frequent drops aren't helping either.While I think we're going to hear that Palmer may need offseason left thumb surgery for some sort of partial ligament damage, I don't think there's anything wrong with Palmer's arm. He didn't have any trouble overthrowing Ochocinco on a post route into the wind last night and has zipped balls into small windows when needed this year. It's the nature of the pass routes and refusal to be flexible with them that's haunting this passing offense.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Thanks, Jene. It seems to me that people see Palmer and Ochocinco and think the Bengals offense can be very good, but it's just not there. I wouldn't say they're wasting Palmer, as this sort of team is built for the playoffs in Cincinnati. But I think the difference between Palmer and Sanchez is being overblown, and it's not because I think Sanchez is very good.

Against the Jets pass defense, I have a hard time seeing how Palmer does much of anything. I see a 17/30, 140 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT sort of game from him. Whether that's enough for the Bengals to win is TBD. But as a Jets fan, I'm much more afraid of our passing game than your's.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Thanks, Jene. It seems to me that people see Palmer and Ochocinco and think the Bengals offense can be very good, but it's just not there. I wouldn't say they're wasting Palmer, as this sort of team is built for the playoffs in Cincinnati. But I think the difference between Palmer and Sanchez is being overblown, and it's not because I think Sanchez is very good.Against the Jets pass defense, I have a hard time seeing how Palmer does much of anything. I see a 17/30, 140 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT sort of game from him. Whether that's enough for the Bengals to win is TBD. But as a Jets fan, I'm much more afraid of our passing game than your's.

I think the Bengals are fine winning ugly. So should their fans be, if that's all it was.I worry about the underlying issue. The team looks at its depth chart, makes a decision on where its offensive strengths lie, and designs an offensive playbook. When it works well, great. When the red zone success percentage and third down conversion percentage slips precipitously and the same penalties continue to mount up (in this case delay and false start penalties when the line is under pressure to make protection calls and then execute), there needs to be some flexibility. Sure it would be nice to have a consistent RB/TE option underneath and drops have been an issue, but the three receivers they have are enough to move the ball on third down.With that in mind, I think a big wild card for Cincinnati this week is Andre Caldwell. I'm working under the assumption, as noted earlier, that this team will move the ball on the ground reasonably well. Caldwell has been lining up outside much more often than in the slot lately. One of two things needs to happen here when the down and distance isn't in the offense's favor. Either they move Caldwell back inside to put pressure on Lowery and hope he can beat the ILBs/nickel corner in zone coverage, or Caldwell has to play much better outside finishing routes, separating and avoiding drops against a vulnerable Lito Sheppard.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

I would like to root for both teams as both have some fun story lines. The thing holding me back from rooting the Jets openly, however, is all the Jets fans on WFAN. I think I'd have to rip out my radio if they won a playoff game.

 

[Verbal Kint]

Brian Leonard will be the key this week on offense IMO. We'll need himto convert some 3rd and longs for us to stay in it. I'm going to guess Zimmer's got some heat for Sanchez too.

Getting some good returns out of Scott will be key too.

 

[fantasizing]

I *think* I'd rather have the home team and experienced quarterback here, but am far from ready to call it a slam dunk either way.

That could be the difference in this game. Despite the apparently anemic passing this season, Palmer has repeatedly come up huge on game winning drives late in games this season.If it's close late in the game, you have to put your money on Palmer instead of Sanchez.

 

[Father Guido Sarducci]

The trouble with the Jets is they don't seem built for comeback wins. As long as they don't fall behind late in the game and need Sanchez to strap them on his back, they could go deep. If they down 4 with 4 minutes left, I expect the result to be a couple picks and an 18 point loss.

 

[fantasizing]

Of course what would really be ironic/strange/karma/etc... is if the Jets went on to beat both the Bengals and Colts and win the superbowl

after being handed 2 free passes into the postseason...

 

[pizzatyme]

Of course what would really be ironic/strange/karma/etc... is if the Jets went on to beat both the Bengals and Colts and win the superbowlafter being handed 2 free passes into the postseason...

Yep, and purple monkeys could come flying out of my a@@ too!

 

[Chase Stuart]

The trouble with the Jets is they don't seem built for comeback wins. As long as they don't fall behind late in the game and need Sanchez to strap them on his back, they could go deep. If they down 4 with 4 minutes left, I expect the result to be a couple picks and an 18 point loss.

Quite the understatement.Against Houston, the Jets were up 17-0 entering the 4th.

Against NE, the Jets were up 10-9, 13-9 entering the 4th, and won 16-9.

Against Ten, the Jets were down 17-14 in the 3rd... Sanchez did lead a nice drive in that quarter to go up 21-17, and won 21-14. Not a comeback, though.

Against NO, the Jets were down 17-0 and got close but never within seven. Sanchez was terrible.

Sanchez played very well on MNF against Miami. The Jets were up 13-10, then Miami scored in the 4th quarter; then the Jets scored a TD, then Miami scored a TD, and then the Jets scored another 4th quarter TD, before Miami won on a TD in the final seconds.

Against the Bills, it was tied 13-13 in the 3rd quarter, and between the 4th Q and OT Sanchez had about 30 mins of game time to score points for the Jets and did not. FWIW, Buffalo actually has a fantastic pass defense, but Sanchez had one of the worst games in NFL history.

Against Oakland, Sanchez was hot dogging it by the 4th quarter. Jets won 38-0.

Against Miami, Ted Ginn and Jason Taylor scored TDs to make it 17-6; Sanchez ran for a TD. Following another Ginn TD, Sanchez led the Jets down on a very nice drive culminating with a 19-yard TD pass to Edwards.

Miami scored again, to go up 11 again. Sanchez led the Jets down for another score (Keller), the Jets forced a stop, and Sanchez drove the Jets down inside the 15 in the final seconds, but came up short.

Against Jacksonville, the Jets were trailing for much of the game and Sanchez did some good work. The Jets scored a TD in the middle of the 4th, before Jacksonville drained the clock, MJD took a knee, and the Jags won.

Against the Panthers, the Jets were up early and Carolina never made it a game.

In the rematch against the Bills in Toronto, the Jets showed the commmitment to the run game they needed; Sanchez did throw the go-ahead TD in the 4th quarter, and wasn't asked to do anything the rest of the game.

The Bucs game was like the Raiders game, except Sanchez was on the bench the whole game.

The Falcons game? The offense thought going into a shell would be too risky. After the Falcons came out of nowhere to score the go-ahead TD, Sanchez failed miserably with a chance to run a 2-minute drill.

Against the Colts and Bengals, Sanchez wasn't asked to do much.

All of Sanchez' good performances were against bad teams. He failed in efforts to lead comebacks against the Falcons and Dolphins. He was lackluster for long stretches against the Jaguars and Bills, and was worse than that in losses to the Pats and Saints. The MNF loss was one not to pin on Sanchez; but the Miami pass D really bad all season long.

Against SD or Indy -- games where the weather won't be a factor and both teams have been inconsistent against the pass --I could see Sanchez maybe leading a late FG drive. Against the Bengals tough pass D, in what should be brutal weather, the Jets are ####ed if they ask Sanchez to win it.

 

[Reaper]

Brian Leonard will be the key this week on offense IMO. We'll need himto convert some 3rd and longs for us to stay in it. I'm going to guess Zimmer's got some heat for Sanchez too.

Getting some good returns out of Scott will be key too.

NOT liking this but, and I know about all the Cincy injuries and all - No excuses but, David Harris got dinged last week and has a bad ankle - He's the thumper and the guy I'd expect to bang with Leonard a lot.

 

[MCguidance]

harris' status is huge, dunno if they van win without him

 

[cheese]

harris' status is huge, dunno if they van win without him

Interesting dynamic with 2 run-heavy offenses both facing defenses missing their best tacklers.

 

[Crash Davis]

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2010/01/n...ris_return.html

Looks like Harris is ok and will play. That's great news for the Jets. The Jets will need him to contain the Cincy run game. If they can do that I like their chances. If not, and Cincy gets out to a lead, you would likely see Sanchez throwing the game away trying to catch up.

 

[Reaper]

harris' status is huge, dunno if they van win without him

Interesting dynamic with 2 run-heavy offenses both facing defenses missing their best tacklers.

Also interesting is that Harris was injured on a chop block from Leonard....

 

[zoobird]

Really seems like the odds on this game have been swayed by the Jets performance the past two weeks against teams with nothing to play for, and the Bengals performance last week with nothing to play for. Through week 15, I think the Bengals would have been a 3 or 4 point favorite on neutral territory. Add in home field advantage, and it seems like they should be a 6 or 7 point favorite here.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Really seems like the odds on this game have been swayed by the Jets performance the past two weeks against teams with nothing to play for, and the Bengals performance last week with nothing to play for. Through week 15, I think the Bengals would have been a 3 or 4 point favorite on neutral territory. Add in home field advantage, and it seems like they should be a 6 or 7 point favorite here.

more $ probably coming in from NY-area than Cincy area as well.-QG

 

[Rovers]

Chase had a good post here, about how the Jets (Sanchez) plays from behind. Basically, if the Jets are down 7 or more late in the thrid quarter, they can't win.

Chase, I will disagree however that the Jets can be successful runing against 9 in the box. But, as Gene mentioned (and I defer) he said Cinci rarely run blitzes. After what happened last week, do they change that? Also not to be underestimated is the returns of Geathers and Pico, or is it Piko? He's been out for the for or five games that saw the Cinci D soften in the running game.

The Jets have gone into similar matchups this year, and OC Schottenheimer tried to throw deep on ther 1st or 2nd offensive play, and every time, Sanchez threw a pick. Will the Jets stay really conservative, or try this failed approach once again, thinking Sanchez sooner or later can make the play? Ryan, Schottenheimer and Westhoff have all gambled thyis year, and in some very surprising situations. Do they try to get cute again, or go conservative?

I suspect they start conservatively this time, but if the Bengals force a 3 and out against the run... they just might roll the dice. They do like to take risks.

I think the Bengals come out in an 8 in the box base, with a whole lot of 9 in the box mixed in. I think they might run blitz a corner if he reads Faneca pulling to the right side. Yes, the Jets have run on 8 in the box, but 9? I just don't see that working. Sooner or later, after the Jets have had enough of 3 and outs, they will decide they have to pass the ball. Sanchez is going to have to play like a very average NFL QB. That would be enough, but I don't know if he can. He isn't there yet.

I think it will boil down to whether or not Sanchez can make some reads, make some good decisions quickly and be accurate. Given the assumption of 9 in the box, and the relatively weak safeties the Bengals have, I think that means Keller. Since I beleive it will be at the end of the day on Sanchez's shoulders, I just can't pick the Jets in this game.

Either Sanchez becomes a passable NFL QB in this game, or the Jets lose. I have no reason to believe he will graduate to "NFL QB" status. The Jets lose 17-13 unless Sanchez makes some plays. Kid can't play in the cold either. The Jets D is very good, but still not good enough to overcome a kid who like his college HC said, should have played another year for USC.

 

[Jene Bramel]

But, as Gene mentioned (and I defer) he said Cinci rarely run blitzes. After what happened last week, do they change that? Also not to be underestimated is the returns of Geathers and Pico, or is it Piko? He's been out for the for or five games that saw the Cinci D soften in the running game.

The Bengals usually run blitz fairly often -- 4-5x a game -- with their safeties. I'd expect Ndukwe in the box like last week, but coming off the edge in run blitzes frequently whether Peko is playing or not.

 

[valence]

I just don't see the bengals being able to move to ball against this defense. The only way I see them having a chance is getting a big play early and forcing some Sanchez turnovers. I think we'll know the outcome of this game fairly early.

 

[PatsFanCT]

I just don't see the bengals being able to move to ball against this defense. The only way I see them having a chance is getting a big play early and forcing some Sanchez turnovers. I think we'll know the outcome of this game fairly early.

Right. They could move the ball against Pittsburgh and Baltimore... twice each, but they wont be able to move the ball against a team that was given the golden ticket to the playoffs, AND the only chance they have to win the game, at home against a rookie QB no less, is to get a big play early.Makes sense to me.

 

[Patoons]

I just don't see the bengals being able to move to ball against this defense. The only way I see them having a chance is getting a big play early and forcing some Sanchez turnovers. I think we'll know the outcome of this game fairly early.

Right. They could move the ball against Pittsburgh and Baltimore... twice each, but they wont be able to move the ball against a team that was given the golden ticket to the playoffs, AND the only chance they have to win the game, at home against a rookie QB no less, is to get a big play early.Makes sense to me.

Pittsburgh's defense isn't what it once was. Neither of these teams have a current shutdown corner, either.The Jets likely won't shut down the Bengals like they did last week and it should be a much closer game, but there's no denying that the Jets D is much better than Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

 

[Sammy Traveller]

will there be an official game thread or will FBG set one up?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Why the Jets will win today:

The Bengals are a conservative team, which pulls the game script right into the Jets wheelhouse
In a game that will depend a lot on field position, Jets have the better return game and they've also converted three fake punts this year
Jets will be looser, playing with house $$, will play and coach bolder, Bengals will be tightThis will be a low scoring game and it will only take one outstanding individual play or terrible gaffe to turn this one for good. I see more Jets players on O/D/ST that can make that gamebreaking play. The Bengals will need to be much more aggressive on offense (staying out of third and long and passing on first down) and defense (blitz and leave Hall/Joseph on islands) than they have been lately to take this game. I can also see the home field advantage backfiring and the whole place getting very nervous (then rubbing off on the team) if the Bengals fall behind early. The Bengals will need Bubba Caldwell to play his best game of the year and convert some key third downs to extend drives, and they will need Nedu Ndukwe/Keith Rivers to force turnovers and wreak havoc to win this one.

 

[Rovers]

Brian Leonard will be the key this week on offense IMO. We'll need himto convert some 3rd and longs for us to stay in it. I'm going to guess Zimmer's got some heat for Sanchez too.

Getting some good returns out of Scott will be key too.

NOT liking this but, and I know about all the Cincy injuries and all - No excuses but, David Harris got dinged last week and has a bad ankle - He's the thumper and the guy I'd expect to bang with Leonard a lot.

Leonard better keep his head up... he was fined for an illegal chop block that put Harris out of the game last week. Harris was very vocal about calling it a cheap shot. Harris is not generally a "talker". Benson may just find out who Harris is this week too.