TJB Scout: Buffalo Bills
The Jets: 4-3
The Bills: 5-2
On the line: First place in the AFC
Sooooo ….
To Niag’ra in a sleeper,
There’s no honeymoon that’s cheaper,
And the train goes slow.
Ooh ooh ooh!
Off, we’re gonna shuffle,
Shuffle off to Buffalo. . .
Shall we?
Cheerleader check: Buffalo is known for wings . . . and some lovely drumsticks — the Buffalo Jills
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The scene: The game is in Orchard Park at Ralph Wilson Stadium, where the Bills have yet to lose this season. The forecast currently calls for patchy sun and temperatures in the mid 40s.
Record: The Bills are 5-2, currently tied for first in the AFC East.
Streaks: The Bills have won the last three in a row against the Jets.
Barometer: Rising, as everyone from Chris Berman to Gregg Easterbrook to Nick Bakay to Wayne Chrebet’s mom loves the plucky young Bills. Ugh!
Old Friends: Unlike other teams in the AFC East, there is no cross pollination between the Bills and the Jets.
Questions: How have the Bills become the darlings of the NFL? Are they continue to succeed by being really good at everything and not excellent at anything? Can quarterback Trent Edwards continue his steady and consistent play? In the words of Butch and Sundance, “Who are these guys?”
Key injuries: Wide receiver Josh Reed (ankle), right guard Brad Butler (knee) and defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot) are all hurting and as of now, not expected to play.
Five things to know about the Bills offense:
- The Nemesis, The Antithesis – Quarterback Trent Edwards has thus far made a successful career of being very careful with the ball and not taking big risks, a smart, high-completion passer (like someone who used to wear green-and-white, and unlike someone who currently wears it). Last week, he was uncharacteristically butterfingered, fumbling twice and throwing a pick in the loss to Miami. On the season, he’s 127 of 187 (67.9%) for 1,436 yards, 5 TDs and 3 interceptions. The passing attack (including some time when J.P. Losman filled in for Edwards) ranks 12th, with 222 yards/game.
- Lynch Starting To Flinch – After a successful rookie season, Marshawn Lynch has struggled a bit this year, having yet to rush for 100 yards in a game, only averaging 64.3 yards/game and 3.7 yards/carry. He’s been sharing carries with Fred Jackson, who has been averaging 4.7 yards/carry. Overall, the Bills are 22nd in rushing, gaining 102.9 yards/game — although if history has taught us anything, Lynch will probably have a huuuge game against the Jets, as most Buffalo running backs do.
- I Want to Live Dangerous-LEE – Dynamic wide receiver Lee Evans is one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL, currently averaging 20.5 yards/catch. On the season he has 31 catches for 637 yards and 3 TDs, including a long of 87 yards. Look for the Bills to move him around to get him away from Darrelle Revis.
- No Josh, B’Gosh – Reciever Josh Reed will be out this week with an Achilles strain, so look for the Bills to try to exploit the vulnerable Jets secondary and get the ball to receivers Roscoe Parrish (10 receptions, 82 yards) and highly touted rookie James Hardy, who only has 7 receptions for 66 yards and a TD, but at 6’7, 220 pounds, could provide matchup nightmares.
- O(uch) Line – Offensive coordinator Turk Schonert’s offensive line has been dinged up as late, as starters Melvin Fowler and Brad Butler missed last week’s games with injuries. Left tackle Jason Peters has played well after missing preseason and Week 1 due to a contract dispute; right tackle Langston Walker and left guard Derrick Dockery continue to be steady as the Bills have only given up 13 sacks this year.
Jersey watch (offense): The #83 of Evans can score from any place on the field at any time.
Five things to know about the Bills defense:
- Solid Is As Solid Does – As mentioned, the Bills don’t seem to do anything great, but do everything well. Defensive coordinator Perry (“Caught Stealing”) Fewell’s defense is ranked 11th in points allowed (20.4 points/game) and overall yards (302.3), and 13th in both passing yards (203) and rushing (99.3).
- It Starts Up Front – Like the Jets, the Bills added some quality beef to the interior of their defense line in the off-season, acquiring three-time Pro Bowl tackle Marcus Stroud from the Jaguars for 3rd- and 5th-round draft picks. He plays alongside ends Chris Kelsay and D’Brickashaw Ferguson’s good friend Aaron Schobel (who has been hampered by a foot injury and may not play this week).
- Second to Some – The Bills secondary has struggled at times this year, especially last week, giving up 314 yards to master of the quick-short game Chad Pennington; Ted Ginn Jr. had a career day, gaining 175 yards. Cornerback Terence McGee — who has 2 of the Bills 4 interceptions — has struggled through a knee injury, while rookie safety Bryan Scott played in place of the ineffective Ko Simpson. Safety Donte Whitner continues to be active, logging 33 tackles and a sack thus far.
- Poz is No Boz – After an injury shortened his rookie season, linebacker Paul Posluszny has come back this year to play well, so far racking up 48 tackles to lead the team, plus defending three passes and even forcing a fumble last week against the Phins.
- Eureka, It’s Kawika – One of the quieter pickups of the off-season was the Bills signing linebacker Kawika Mitchell, who always seems to be able to make plays — he has made 33 tackles while netting 2 sacks and an interception. On a young Bills team, Mitchell provides a solid veteran presence with a championship pedigree.
Jersey watch (defense): The #51of Poz is often involved in the defense.
Three things about the Bills special teams:
- April Is A-1 – For the past five seasons under special teams maven Bobby April, the Bills have consistently had one of the best return, coverage and kicking units in the NFL. Although rookie Leodis McKelvin has been pedestrian on his kickoff returns (23.8 yards/return), punt returner Roscoe Parrish is among the best in the NFL, and although he’s “only” currently averaging 13.2 yards/return, he’s taken one 63 yards to house already this season.
- No Cryin’ With Rian – Rian Lindell is also one of the better kickers in the NFL, hitting at over 80% for his career, including going 15 of 18 this season. He’s also pretty decent on kickoffs, averaging 63.8 yards/kickoff with 6 touchbacks.
- Keeps Giving You Moor, Man – Pro Bowl punter Brian Moorman also continues to kick at a high level, averaging 47 yards/punt with a net of 39.7 yards. He also has a TD pass on a fake punt this year.
What to expect from the broadcast booth: For the third time this season, the Jets draw CBS’ No. 1 team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, so expect a fairly competent dissertation of the game as it goes, with a focus on the contrasting styles of the quarterbacks: conservative Edwards vs. gunslingin’ Favre.
Spotlight matchup: Trent Edwards vs. the Jets secondary. The Jets have been very vulnerable to the pass this year, especially the short fast ones that are Edwards’ stock in trade. If he can take early advantage, it could open up running games for Lynch against the Jets rush defense.
The pressure is on: Edwards not to make mistakes or turn the ball over like last week, and just wait for the inevitable Favre turnovers.
Expect the unexpected from: James Hardy, as big receivers (Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez most recently) seem to have had very good games against the smaller Jets secondary.
Bottom line: Are you kidding me? The Jets lost to the dysfunctional Raiders and barely got by the inept Chiefs — look for a very solid and consistent Buffalo team to bounce back from a bad loss in Miami and completely stampede the Jets.
77 Responses to TJB Scout: Buffalo Bills
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vajet says:
although i agree we need to use the running game heavily this weekend, i dont think it’s tj that needs the most carries. buffalo has a solid interior dline and we should really use washington and faneca with some sweeps and tosses. this should hopefully strengthen our PLAY ACTION DAMNIT.
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SackDance99 says:
While Evans can score from anywhere on the field, can Edwards hit him? That 87-yarder was thrown by erratic, cannon-armed Losman. Also, while Dockery and Peters might be “steady,” Joey Porter absolutely destroyed Peters last week and now he gets either BT or Pace. And, Edwards was creamed by the Cards’ Wilson on a safety-blitz from the strong side, something for “Hollywood” Rhodes to keep in mind. This Bills team just doesn’t match up to the hype. But, their special teams are great and the Jets have not faired that well when they lose the field position battle. Get a lead, take the crowd out, force Edwards to win the game, mix the run and pass and get out of Buffalo with a win.
As an aside, I’ve been impressed with Hodges as the punter, so far, and Graham was cut by the Saints. Let’s hope Hodges keeps up the good work; he’ll be needed against the Bills.
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Brad says:
Sackdance: How many comebacks do the Bills have this year? Edwards has been great in the 4th quarter, so going with that strategy of making Edwards beat our poor and inconsistant secondary is not the strategy I’m hoping for, especially with a 6’6″ Hardy to throw the ball to in the red zone and speedy Evans. This is going to be a tough game, and we need to blitz effectively. A common problem i see when we blitz is that our secondary tends to play soft, rather than pressing WR’s. As usual, this game will also comedown to turnovers, no chance if Favre has 3 turnovers like he has done over the last few games.
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hank/naples says:
I agree that the running game is important but not critical to win. Two things will dictate and we should win:
1) Presure, pressure, pressure Edwards. He must be slowed down or wil pick us appart !!! He will turn the ball over when pressured.
2)Our passing game MUST be on, no ifs, ands, or buts. No more BS, no more excuses.If you need proof of the above look at Miamis game last Sunday.
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Najy says:
If we win the turnover battle, we will win the game.
Looking back at our past couple games, our inability to get into a rhythem on O is partly due to Schotty dumb play calling and partly due to TO.
If we do not turn the ball over, are chances of getting into a rhythem on O are much better. I think this will be a big game for the O as i expect them to respond to all the critiques and media comments.
Our D will stop their run, but we need pressure on Edwards. We get a lot of sacks, but there are plays that we generate no pressure. Sometimes, consistent pressure is more important then getting the sack.
Win the TO battle and Jets win this game. 24-17 Jets.
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Roger Vick says:
Bassett, you can’t blame Favre for those INT’s. When you look at each of them, you first have to run through the following checklist of reasons why he was picked off:
Mangini
Shotty
The O-Line
The WR’s
The grounds crew
The Flight Crew
The Sun
The wind
the rain
the lights
Herm Edwards
Rev. Wright
Joe The Plumber
Rich Kotite
Ted Thompson
and, of course, Chad PenningtonIf you can’t find a way to blame the INT on anyone or anything on that list, then you can begin to discuss the possibility that it may have been Favre’s fault, but you have to also mention that he has a rocket arm and he won a Super Bowl 12 years ago.
Just thought I’d remind you of the Brett Favre INT protocol in the comments section.
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Mad Dog Mo says:
Whomever scores on special teams wins this game. Or whomever scores the most special teams points. We have seen it before from these two and we will see it again this weekend.
Put it on the board…you heard it here first.
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Ziggy says:
Bryan Scott isn’t a rookie safety…Drafted by Atlanta and also played for New Orleans and Tennessee
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JustAGreenGuy says:
Roger Vick- Thank you for that comprehensive list. I knew it just couldn’t be bad decision making.
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subwayfare says:
Excellent points about the Favre interceptions. But please also observe the protocol for crediting the 15 touchdown passes in the following order:
Mangini
Schott
WR’s
O-Line
Coles
Cotch
Kurt Warner
Marvin Lewis
Herm
The PSL Auction
Pennington
Pete Kendall
Aaron Rodgers
Roger Goodell
Sarah Pailin
Colin Powell
Mike Holmgren
Deanna
Vicodin
Steroids
Rabbit’s Feet
Voodoo
Lotto
and, of course, Tom Brady. -
Brad, the Bills have 2 comebacks this year. The first against Jax, on the road, after they gave up the lead in the 3rd quarter, and against the Raiders, which IMO just gave the game away. Edwards also gave away a lead in the second half to the Fins, who dominated him. I agree with blitzing effectively, but what makes Edwards good in 4th quarter comebacks is that most teams go into the prevent and Edwards can pick apart a zone. The Dolphins kept attacking Edwards, making him play under duress. Also, what makes you say the Jets have a weak secondary? The Jets’ CBs are good at coverage, as is Rhodes. The weak link has been coverage on TEs. As for being scared of Hardy, he has 7 receptions for 66 yards and a TD. Keller and Stuckey have out-performed him and, of course, he’s a redzone target because of his size, so the Jets have to game plan for that, but let’s not compare him to the big WRs or TEs that the Jets have faced so far, like Fitzgerald, Moss or Gonzalez.
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Colin Powell huh?
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I DON’T WRITE THAT OFTEN, BUT CAN WE PLEASE STOP WITH….WE WILL WIN IF WE WIN THE TURNOVER BATTLE
Really. What a shock. I thought if the Jets turn the ball over they have a better chance to win.
For me, the key to the game is can we stop them on 3rd down!!! How many damn times this year, including last week, could we not stop ANYONE on third down. INCLUDING THEIR SLOT RECEIVER. I don’t care how many sacks we have this year. You never get the feeling that we have a dominant pass rush. EVER. I think sutton is doing a poor job in that area.
SO I THINK THE TEAM THAT PUTS MORE PRESSURE ON THE QB, AND STOPS THE OTHER ON 3RD DOWN, WILL WIN THIS GAME.
JUST MY THOUGHTS (Najy, had to do it) I always read your blog and haven’t seen you write that in a while. please do!! -
Also, it depends on Favre’s turnovers. If it’s 3rd and 8 on the Jets 35 and Favre throws a 50 yard bomb that’s picked and the WR actually tackles the guy on the spot, that’s better than a punt. If it’s a pick in the redzone or deep in Jets territory, then I agree with you. All I’m saying is that not all INTs are equal. The Jets can win if Favre throws 3 INTs, especially if he matches that with 5 TDs.
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JetsFanforLife says:
1) Farve plays “smart,” (after all he’s a given HOF)
2) Schotty doesn’t go empty backfield every 3rd and short, uses TJ/LW MORE, and some play action
3) Sutton inspires some real pass D (assuming without DHarris)…
then we can win a tough close game; else if, it’ll be another coulda, shoulda, woulda and the wheels will be almost completely off the bandwagon
Go JETS
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he’s not thowing 5 td’s this week sack dance, be realistic.
what the jets need to do is start establishing an identity. when you look at the jets and say, what is their philosohpy, they have NONE.
we don’t come out and run the ball, we sometimes come out in spread formation, other times we….i don’t even know.
it’s enough of the trickery. run the ball down there throat, set up play action, take your chances down the field. i don’t understand what is so difficult. trickery doesn’t work unless you deviate from the norm…we have no norm. -
Bassett:
In the second Canizzaro article he quotes as not being a gambler. I guess gambling with the team’s win at stake is ok to him. Sorry, but i’m really trying to understand this guy but it becomes harder and harder every day.
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Some important facts about the almighty Bills:
-Ranked # 22 in sacks with 13
-Ranked # 24 in INTs with 4
-Ranked # 20 in Pts Against per game with 23.6 pts
-Ranked # 22 in Rush Yards per game with 102.9 yds per game
- Ranked # 22 in Avg Yards per attempt. 3.8 yds
- Ranked # 13 in Rush Yards allowed per game 99.3 yds.Not exactly eye popping stats…
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DannyMazz says:
ON D:
We positively need to Double Team Evans on every passing play. No question in my mind. We should get a solid rush without much blitzing against a weakened Bills line. Keep 1 LB in each Flat to spy for screens or dumps and keep 2 in the middle for crossing routes that set picks on revis. play a cover 2-3 from the 3-4 the entire game.ON O:
Try everything! I would literally see how run pass pass works in the early going. If Buffalo doesnt budge than start mixing lots of play action in there. Sooner or later we will hit a big play. Get leon the ball in the open field.SPECIAL TEAMS: Pray that Feely doesn’t miss and contain Roscoe.
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NAJY
It’s about winning games. they pulled out the oakland game, and the san diego game. that was a huge win. you know stats mean nothing.
us on the other hand have yet to win a grind out game. and don’t tell me kansas city. that was pathetic. -
TOON2388 says:
If we cannot beat this team, we are done. Buffalo has a good record but is an average team. Of course, if we do not raise our level play from the last 2 week we will be lucky to win 3 more games the entire season.
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TOON 2388
no doubt. i’m with you on that. we have to start to get some momentum, and build an IDENTITY!! also known as CHEMISTRY.
i hope our coaching staff has experimented enough, and now chooses who we are and what we are going to accomplish. -
alex morizio,
First, let me start off by telling you that that is the Mangini (a.k.a. Pats way) of playing football. To be a Chameleon and attack the other team where they are weak. Billicheck and his regime take pride in the ability to be able to transform the identity of the team every week and attack the other team where they feel is most relevant and cause most damage. Obvioulsy, that philosophy has worked great in NE, but has yet to pay off for the Jets.
Now, as far as Turnovers go…. Do you know what the constant has been in each of the 3 games that the Jets have lost? Turnovers. Each game taht the Jets lost, they have lost the Turnover battle.
Let me rephrase that… Thus far this year, the Jets have lost 3 games. In each of those three games, they have lost the Turnover Battle. Which leads me to think… What would have happend if we won the Turnover Battle??
IF you want, I can remind you how costly the INT by Favre was in the Pats game when they scored a TD on that drive.
Or shall I remind you about San Diego and The turnovers from that game?
Perhaps Oakland? The Int in the redzone that cost us points?
I am not giving you an opinion.. Its a fact.. Everytime the Jets have lost this year, they have lost the Turnover battle..
Right?
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Doug from Long Valley says:
Having lost power for the last two days (10” of snow here in western NJ) I watched the Miami and Cincinnati games the last two nights on my HP laptop. Oh yes, my wife loved that… Below are a few positives I took form those games we can use to win this one game:
1-Get #83and #81 the ball more on slant and seam routes and let them use their speed.
2-Go back to the Play Action we were running successfully in the early games.
3-Put #20 and #29 in the backfield together and let Buffalo guess what’s coming next.
4-Go deep a few times early just to loosen things up.
5-Try an option pass with #16
6-Rush 5 men on obvious passing downs, let the DB’s hold the fort.
7-Turn #97 loose at least once a quarter and put the fear of God in the QB.Give me Mangini’s cell number so I can call him during the game. Obvious stuff but this is football not genetic engineering.
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alex morizio,
Stats do not lie. Find me one team in the NFL that is leading their division but is in the bottom ranks in statiscs in the league? You win and lose based on your perfomance during the game. Your performance is recorded, and they are called STATS.
Name me one team that is leading their division but is in the bottom rank in statistical categories… Please.
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Pete57 says:
Here’s my prediction on the game for what it’s worth.
Jets will dominate the line of scrimmage. We will run effectively, and stop the run. TJ gets say 17 carries for 80 yards and Leon gets 6 carries for 40. Buffalo rushes for less than 75 yards. This forces Edwards to have to make plays and he comes up short, throwing at least 1 pick.
Jets win, 24-13.
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Najy-
Denver. Second to last in the AFC in YPG, dead last in points, leading their division.
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NAJY,
THE BILLS ARE NOT AT THE TOP OF ANYTHING IN STATS EXCEPT PULLING GAMES OUT IN THE 4TH QUARTER. THAT’S IT!!!
Show me where the bills are dominant. In what category??
the last i checked favre leads the NFL in TD passes. how does that look right now.
AND THE TURNOVER BATTLE?
WE WERE 2-1 THE LAST 3 WEEKS, AND WE WERE MINUS 8!!!!!!!!
BELIEVE ME, I’M NOT SAYING TURNOVERS AREN’T A HUGE PART OF THE GAME. WHAT I’M SAYING IS, IT’S SO MUCH OF A CLICHE…TRUE, BUT IT’S LIKE SAYING IF WE SCORE MORE POINTS THEN THE OTHER TEAM, WE WIN.
sorry i wrote in caps that is annoying i just realized it.\
give me some insight into the game. for me, it’s developing an identity. and guess what najy, we are NOT the patriots. and there identity was to throw the hell out of the ball and they were 18-1 doing it. so they did have an identity.
when you have a new qb, you have to make him get comfortable. IN FACT, the whole team is bitching about how there play calling on offfense is attrocious!!! that’s what makes a bad coach. no order. so don’t be biased. the game plans and IDENTITY, and CHEMISTRY of this team has been a 0/10. ZERO!! name me one game this year, that you have enjoyed watching??? name me one. just my thoughts….love that -
Denver is also last in the AFC in turnover differential. But we are damn close.
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I loved watching the Arizona game, and the Miami game. The Bengal was watchable.
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almost everygame has been unwatchable. the bengal game? i was sick. the arizona game? we were up 34, and then made it a game in the 3rd quarter.
the jets have yet to put together a FULL game. in all three phases, in all 4 quarters. if we want to be a super bowl contender, and not just a playoff contender, they must start putting it together with an IDENTITY. and we are not the patriots, and nor should we adopt that philosophy. we don’t have that type of team. -
Bent says: Just my thoughts is dakar’s catchphrase, not Najy’s!
0-8 in turnovers and two wins and an OT loss is incredible. Maybe they don’t even need to WIN the turnover battle, just come close. We deserve some luck in that area, I think. Maybe we’re due.
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Denver has a 4-3 record and have lost the last 3 out of 4 games they played…
If it wasnt for a pathetic division that they play in where the 3 others teams are ranked beneath the Broncos in a most categories then we wouldnt have this conversation,..
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The Bills only have 2 4th quarter comeback wins!!! One against Oakland, in Rich Stadium, when they needed a late FG to win, and a solid win against Jax, on the road, AFTER they gave the lead away in the 3rd quarter. Buffalo’s 4th quarter prowess is a myth that was exploded by the Fins last week.
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BENT,
you are the man. that’s right!!!! i haven’t been on in a long time. THANK YOU FOR THE CORRECTION.
You are the man. -
alex morizio,
My point is before we work on all the other areas of improvement, lets stop beating ourselves by shooting ourselves in teh foot and turning the ball over. Then, we can worry about stopping teams on 3rd down and all that othe stuff..
The turnover battle is not even close… Thats why I pointed it out.
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Alex, you asked what games we liked watching, not for a synopsis of the game.
Arizona was great to watch because in the first half our defense was unbelievable and in the second half we got to see the potential of this offense.
The miami game was great just because we beat Chad and he threw a pick to lose the game for the Phins.
I liked the Bengal game because after the second half got started I felt we were in complete control of the game. That doesn’t happen much with the Jets.
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SACK DANCE 99
WAIT A MINUTE.
That pick of rivers in the end zone 2 weeks ago wasn’t huge??
they won the game after that. and even better, they ran the ball down their throat, got the field goal, and CLOSED the game. like mariano.
that is the sign of a good football team. you must include that in their resume. huge win. -
Pete57, on October 30th, 2008 at 1:47 pm Said:
The miami game was great just because we beat Chad and he threw a pick to lose the game for the Phins.
You stay classy, Pete.
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NAJY AND PETE57
NAJY,
I GOT YOU. You are 100% right. believe me. I just want to know what you think, besides the turnovers, is the key to the game this week. you feel it is getting continuity on offense, and by NOT turning the ball over, we can have that. i agree. could you imagine how points we could score, if we don’t turn the ball over?PETE57
you say it doesn’t happen much with the jets…..but with this team it should!!
i’m tired of watching this team, with so much talent, i mean, we have a few holes like the lack of a second safety, and a big WR, but in general, this team can win 12 games. yes….12!!!!!
we SHOULD be able to win games, and put teams away. my expectations of this team are very high, and they should be. we can stop the run. we can score some points. if we can run the ball effectively, and tighten up a little bit on third down, what can’t we do??
we just need a ilttle bit of CHEMISTRY.
sorry about the rant. i’ve been holding it in all year. -
alex morizio,
And what about the muffed punt by Leon Washington?
Turnovers kill your team. I know its a cliche but it is killing the Jets; sometimes, they have enough talent to overcome but when they cant, we lose.
We could be undeafted right now if you take away a couple of the critical TO in each of the 3 games we lost.
If we can go back in time with the same D and O. The Jets play the same exact D that they have been playing all year. I guarnatee you that if they dont make a couple of those key TO, we win those 3 games and the D can remain the same and the Jets wont have an identity.
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I’m starting to think this focus on INTs is a function of QB Rating, which penalizes INTs, and Football Outsiders, who preach against INTs. It really is when the INTs are thrown that is a killer. Against the Bengals, who cared? The Jets scored after each pick because they left the Bengals with crappy field position, and one was on 3rd and 12 at the 31…do we really think Feely could hit a 48 yard FG? Didn’t Eli lead the NFL in INTs last season? IMO, the only Favre INT so far that potentially could’ve changed the game was last week’s pick 6. The other losses had way more issues than Favre’s INTs.
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SackDance, I agree that all INT’s aren’t the same, but they kill momentum. While the Jets had plenty of issues in other areas, the picks in the SD and NE games were killers, too. Plus, he had two more horrible INT’s dropped the past 2 weeks.
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SackDance99,
What about the Favre int against the Pats?
Or Favre’s int agasint Oakland in the redzone? Or LW muff punt agasint Oakland?
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Joe B. says:
Roger Vick -
Terrific work, my man. You knocked it out of the park. Too funny.
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Alex,
No, I’m not giving you the Chargers game. Holding a lead at home is what a good team is supposed to do. Plus, the Mitchell pick against Gates was an uncharacteristically bad play by Rivers on 1st and goal at the 9. So, there was a little bit of luck there, as was Mitchell’s ability to take the ball out to the Bills 31. On the road, against an inferior team, the Bills were DESTROYED by the Dolphins in the 4th quarter. The Bills had the pick-4: an INT, TWO FUMBLES and a SAFETY. Like I said, the Bills 4th quarter prowess is a myth.
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Najy,
Do you really think that INT against the Pats was THE play of the game? I mean, after the 3 runs up the middle at the goal line and Feely’s missed FG, I had a feeling the game was gone. Plus, the INT came after a completely horrible offensive PI call. Now, you ruined my day; what a BS call that was.
As for the Raider game, that INT was unavoidable, J. Co. slipped…hard to say it was a Favre mistake and the Jets forced OT (with agreat Favre drive), so don’t you have to put the blame on the horrendous play-calling in OT along with Baker’s slip?
Leon’s muff wasn’t an INT, but I actually thought the worst play of the game was the muffed Leon pitch that came after Jones gained 39 yards in the prior 2 carries. Why was Leon on the field? Why was the call a pitch wide when Jones was killing the Raiders up the middle? Najy, why?
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TC says:
sackdance99,
Agree with you on there are other issue’s as well…..The D hasn’t created a turnover the past 2 game’s,the o’line is on pace to give up 40 sack’s this season,secondary seem’s to have some issue’s and they can’t stop a screen pass,Feely can’t make a chip shot fg…………
Take away all the what if’s doe’s anyone really and honestly think the Jet’s win on sunday? Or any of the next 4 game’s? Bill’s,Ram’s,Pat’s and Titan’s!! -
SackDance99,
I am not blaming anyone or anything. I am talking about Turnovers in general. I dont care whose fault it is, but they cant keep turning the ball over.
I agree that we have many more problems, but I just think that TO are something that are in our control. Kind of like penalties.
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SackDance99,
Raiders game:
- Leon muffed the punt, the Raiders got 3 points of that.
-We dont turn the ball over in the Redzone, we should have had a TD but a FG at the very least.That is a 6 point swing or in other words… The ball game..
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There are a lot of things that are a result of bad offensive play calling and bad execution mixed in with bad “in game coaching” and game planning.
The team needs to control what they can control. Who knows if Schotty will ever get his act together. Or if the defense can utilize its personnel to “generate pressure” and not jsut get sacks. Pressure is just as important as Sacks and we are inconsistent at times with generating pressure.
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Excellent write up. I think this will be a tough hard-nosed game, but ultimately the Jets will come out on top.
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Najy,
I hate to differ with you, but the game was in OT. The failures in OT directly resulted in the loss.
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If the Jets can beat Buffalo, on the road, there is no team in the NFL the Jets can’t beat, especially at home where the Jets are 3-1. The remaining home games are Rams, Broncos, Bills and Dolphins. All winnable games. The road includes Pats and Titans, along with games against the 49ers and Seahawks that are tough only because of the travel (0-2 so far on the West Coast, but the 49ers and Seahawks could both be worse than the Raiders). But, it all begins this week because I do believe the Jets need a “signature” win for their confidence.
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SackDance99,
After the fact, the game was in OT.
If we had smart coaches who dont call 14 plays that go for 50 yards, we still could have won despite the Turnovers.
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No one, including Favre, doesn’t think eliminating turnovers is important. The job Mangini, Schott and #4 have is figuring out how to do that without also eliminating what makes Favre a potent weapon. You wouldn’t sign a slugger for your cleanup slot and try to get him to hit for average. Everyone involved knows that they have yet to hit on the right formula for maximizing the benefits and reducing the liabilities of having Favre behind center. I’m so bored with the “It’s all Favre’s fault!” “It’s all the coaching staff’s fault!” arguments. There’s’ certainly some combination of game plan and execution that can work better than what we’ve seen so far. This would be a good week to discover it.
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Najy,
I think Leon’s muff, although it led to 3 points, was too early in the game to blame for the loss. What did you think of running Leon after TJ rips off 39 yards in 2 carries? That was the first drive of the 3rd quarter, a score there would’ve been huge.
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Dan C says:
“Perry (“Caught Stealing”) Fewell”
Mint!
His position meetings must be pretty awesome with all those kettle drums in the background.
I say the Jets win this in a tight one and really breakout for the rest of the season. Playoffs depend on it!
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ian says:
the blame for the lack of consistency on offense is not an either or proposition–it is not favre or mangini/schott. it is both.
first, favre is the all-time nfl leader in INT’s and last season was the only season in recent memory where he didn’t have a high number of INT. he is prone to that. the flip-side, of course, is that he has unique talents and abilities which good coaches can harness to offset his INT’s.
second, it’s very clear that this offensive coaching staff does not have a firm grip on how best to use its various weapons.
of course, the team is 4-3. so there is at least something to feel good about.
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SackDance99,
There is nothing that I hate more when Schott takes TJ out of the game after he bangs out 5 or 6 yards. TJ will have 1 good run and then he will take him out and bring in a new “personnel package”. It disgust me sometimes because it really is idiotic.
Not only do you not let your players get into a rythem, but you become predictable.
The problem with Schotty seems that he is always reacting to the previous play. He calls plays based on what happend in the prior play. Instead of calling his plays to set up the next play.
There is a lot that this team has to work on and I dont knwo where to begin. Pass blocking, play calling, consitent pressure, TO, penalties, etc…
Lets hope, that for the first time this year, the Jets can finally put all 3 phases of the game to work toghether and use the run to set up the pass and the pass to set up the run.
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Pete says:
it’s time we get the sand out of our vagina’s and beat the crap out of the Bills. If we can attack on defense we will have a real game. Sutton doesn’t get the whole physical football thing and just makes crap teams look awesome. It’s getting old really fast…..has anyone seen Gholston ???
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Pete,
What are you talking about? Who is Gholston?
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sackdance–good point, there is also the problem that they don’t block very well. i think in large measure this is because of d’bust. i remember reading that the reason they can’t pull faneca on sweeps or counters, etc. is that they need him to help d’bust. probably, this would be a great unit if d’bust were performing as top 5 OL picks usually do.
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JesusRevis says:
I think its pretty obvious that the Jets are by far the more talented team on paper atleast, which means it all comes down to mangini and the coaching staff.
Jets 21 Bills 13
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The issue that bugs me is that the JETS HAVE NOBODY ON THE TEAM that you would double team on Offense or Defense That is why we are not that good. Who scares you? Cotchery career #2? Coles Career underachiever? Thomas Jones unproven back? Rookie TE? 39 yr old QB?
We aren’t a fantastic team we are a 500 team give or take a win. Don’t be mystified by the rhetoric by the press this off season. Did we get better yes but we need Legitimate threats.
Zero consistency all around – We need a star
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BubbyBrister/shovelpass says:
Pete57 – There you go again, bringing up Chad and Miami again. let it go , buddy! Chad is gone! Enuff already!
(psych!)
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Pete57 says:
thanks Bubby.
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C P says:
dudes, I’m so F IN scarred. Huge jet fan and season tix holder, but Godspeed GG.
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Ed L says:
pressure pressure pressure…. thats all we need to win this game…. its gonna be a close one
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Just win guys! I think our best chance is throwing the ball and using the pass game to set up the run!
Lets tear the Bills apart!
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If you go deep please do it when its one on one. Never throw a bomb into double coverage. It will get ran back.
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Eddie DiGio says:
We need balance on offense to win games, and I gotta say for once in my life I agree with hank, you have to get pressure on the Trent Edwards. The bills dont rack up huge yardage on the ground but they mix in the run effectively enough to move the ball. Also we have to make a concerted effort to make Favre comfortable out there, setup the big throws in favorable situations, 2nd and short, even third and short with a lead on the other teams side of the field. Im hoping that last week was the straw that broke the camels back, we did respond to arizona who looks pretty good now, so Im hoping this week will be the same… this game is the crossroad for this coaching regime
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junior says:
Maybe its me but i think favre really hurt his hand in the cincy game his throws have not been tight where he thinks he can thread the needle but his hand just wont allow it. The bottom line is we need to win 2 of the 3 facets of the game i dont care which 2 but lets just execute
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I agree man, the ball just never seems to come out the same, maybe we can scale back some stuff and forget the 5 wide spread, cause he’s getting killed back there. Our kicking game has got to improve, missed chip shot FG’s will be a huge factor in a game like this . Getting pumped, can’t wait for sunday
One thing in the Jets favor this weekend is that mangini has seen how inconsistent his quarterback is and that his defense will always play bend but do not brake. Mangini can create a terrific gameplan and has doen so in the past against buffalo in buffalo with a less experienced and more motivated team. If the Jets can match the intensity of the Bills in Buffalo then this game will be a slugfest. The Jets’s backs are against the wall now and they know its do or forget about the playoffs. The Bills have shown how vulnerable they are if they play a team who is consistent at driving the ball (look for the offensive line and Thomas Jones to hammer the ball into the Bills) and pressuring the quarterback (our defense has 20 + sacks). If Mangini does this along with a motivated and desparate team then the Jets will repeat what they did to Buffalo in Buffalo in 2006. The thing that I am worried about is the attitude of some players who have been affected in the club house (Rhodes, Coles, and Thomas Jones) by how disorganzied the team is right now. Thomas Jones make no mistake isn’t taking any junk from FARVE. He wants the ball give it to him!!! Rhodes seems lost and at times plays “soft” which is uncharacteristic of him considering last year he was the ballhawk on the team with 5 interceptions. Coles is another matter entirely as he has been a roller coaster with the media and with mangini who he doesn’t respect. Take the ball out of FARVE’s hands and go back to the days of 2004 and 2006 of running the football with Thomas Jones.