Jets – Giants Positional Matchups
QUARTERBACKS – By exaggeration, this looks like a diametrically opposed matchup of arm versus brain. Pennington does a good job of breaking down coverages and throwing balls to open receivers, while Manning’s ability to put the ball downfield is good. This is more of a personal choice between which style one likes better. Thrown into the equation is even knowing if Chad will play today, as he’s been marked questionable all week.
Advantage: Jets
RUNNING BACKS – The elephant in the room here is Thomas Jones’ alarming lack of production even against a poor running defense like the Bills were. Leon Washington could stand to have a big day if the Jets get in long passing situations, or Washington might even take up whole series this week as his quickness might be a big deterrernt to the Giants pass-rush. Brandon Jacobs is slated to play, and he and Derrick Ward have both been effective in running the ball this season.
Advantage: Giants
WIDE RECEIVERS – Coles and Cotchery have been a better tandem than Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer statistically, but Plax has had a great season even on a bad ankle.
Advantage: Jets
TIGHT ENDS – Statistically, Shockey hasn’t had a big year, Baker’s has been more extraordinary but his ability to help out on the run has been excellent. Chris Baker is opportunistic and makes plays when the ball comes his way, but he’s not the talent that Shockey is
Advantage: Giants
OFFENSIVE LINE – David Diehl’s ascension to Left Tackle was a huge question mark for the Giants, but he’s played the role competently. Mangold is the one player that stands out on the Jets, but credit has to be given to the Giants’ running game and their pass protection, some of the best in the league.
Advantage: Giants
DEFENSIVE LINE – The Jets, as a team, have three sacks, while the Giants quadrupled that number in last week alone, Two of those sacks has come by Shuan Ellis, the only player on the line to have a sack. Between the two teams, this will be the difference in the game.
Advantage: Giants
LINEBACKERS – The Jets unit hasn’t been stellar, but the Giants are still trying to find an identity in this area. Kiwanuka is a nice addition to helping against the run, but he’s a liability in the passing game.
Advantage: Jets
SECONDARY – So far this season, the pass coverage for both of these teams has been a detriment. With all the pressure that the Giants’ line has brought, this has been mitigated how the Giants’ secondary has looked. Aaron Ross played well last week, and might get the nod on who’s better so far between him and Revis, but the Giants’ secondary is very reliant on press coverage, something which could haunt them facing physical receviers like Cotchery & Coles. 6’5″ Plaxico Burress is a mismatch on the smaller Jets’ corners so should he be able to play, expect him to have a big day. The Jets are also without Erik Coleman, who had a concussion last week and has been instrumental in preventing big plays of opposing teams for a few years. His replacement, Eric Smith is competent and had a good summer before getting injured during camp. Expect to see Smith in his first start today.
Advantage: Giants
SPECIAL TEAMS – Mike Westhoff … need I say more? Kick coverage is the one area where the Giants excel over the Jets, but beyond that, the Giants are consistently weak in special teams this year. Both teams have struggled with field goals, so see if this plays into the game today.
Advantage: Jets
