1) NYJ vs. Overconfidence – The last time the NYJ took the field against the Cardinals, it was an all around great effort. On defense, they pressured the Cardinals into 5 sacks and 3 interceptions while also forcing 5 fumbles. Those are outstanding numbers for a defensive unit during a game. However, they also yielded 417 passing yards and a ton of points in the second half. Although they played great for most of the game, this is no reason to believe they are an elite team in the NFL. On offense, Brett Favre threw 6 touchdowns while LC caught three of them.  Also another great feat, but this is not the end of the road. The bye week has come and gone, the NYJ will have to go full speed ahead for the remaining 12 games. I hope they keep their mindset and emotions in check, and come out firing on all cylinders against the Bengals.

 2) Hank Poteat / Drew Coleman vs. Antonio Chatman – Slot receivers have been killing the Jets all season. Whether it is Wes Welker, Buster Davis, or Steve Breaston, the slot receiver has been a thorn in the Jets side all season. In comes Antonio Chatman this week, the small shifty wide receiver that used to play with Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers.  Over the last three weeks, Chatman has really come on after finding his niche with the team. In the last three games, Chatman has recorded 15 catches for 157 yards. Carson Palmer is getting comfortable throwing the ball to him in the slot on many third downs. The Jets have to be able to cover the slot receiver going forward which will improve the success of the defense overall.

3) NYJ Defense vs. Stopping the Running Game – The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense thus far this season has not been very stout. Coach Marvin Lewis has been trying to lower the burden on his defense is by running the ball to keep them off the field. The Cincinnati offense is averaging 24 rushing attempts per game on the season. Newly signed Cedric Benson gives the Bengals a 1-2 punch joining the incumbent starter Chris Perry.  Last week against the Cowboys, Perry had 13 attempts and Benson had 10 in his first action with the team. Going forward, I think Benson will become more of a cog in the offense and look for almost an even split with carries. If the Bengals will try to force the run, the Jets must stop it or it will be our defense that will be fatigued from being on the field for long periods.

 4) NYJ Secondary vs. Carson Palmer/Chad Johnson Psyche – Carson Palmer and Ocho Cinco have been a great quarterback/wide receiver tandem over the past couple of years. They have not been able to get to that same level so far this season. We all know Chad Johnson and his quarterback are out of sync. After five games, Johnson only has 14 catches for 159 yards including one touchdown. That is extremely below Chad Johnson numbers from previous years. The worst thing that can happen is letting them get their feet wet early in the game and letting them do some damage. The Jets must be able to hit Palmer early and often to not let him settle into a groove where he becomes comfortable. With Johnson however, the fewer the catches he makes the more disgruntled he becomes. Don’t let them rekindle their old ways in Week 6!

 5) NYJ Offense vs. Continuing Chemistry – Yes, we all remember the game even though it feels like a month ago. Brett Favre (6TD’s) was connecting all over the field to L.Coles (3 TD’s), Jerricho Cotchery (2 TD’s), and Dustin Keller (TD).  Was this just a flash in the pan or will we able to see continued success going forward? Of course I do not expect 6 touchdowns a week, but I do expect more of production than we saw in the two previous games (Chargers, Patriots). The bye week should have given the offense more time work on chemistry and schemes. Will the NYJ offense continue on the right path or trip up in Week 6 against the Bengals?

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