JMattera’s Gridiron Grudges – Week 12
1) Chris Johnson/Lendale White vs. NYJ Run Defense –
This weekend the league’s 7th ranked rushing offense takes the field against the New York Jets. The Titans average 132.7 yards per game rushing the football. On the other hand, the NYJ are 4th in the league against the run giving up only 81.3 yards per contest.
Although both running backs due damage, they are very different in style. Johnson is your speed back, who is also a threat in the passing game out of the backfield. White is your power back and short yardage, goal line threat.
The Titans’ running game makes their offense go. Kerry Collins although not great has been doing a great job this season for the Titans. With the lack of game breaking ability from their receiving corps, their running backs are the key cogs of their offense. Being able to stop the run will be instrumental if the Jets plan on leaving Tennessee with a win.
2) Nick Mangold vs. Albert Haynesworth / Kevin Mawae vs. Kris Jenkins
These are the match ups I am looking forward to more than any others. Games are won in the trenches, and these possibly can be two of the better battles we will see all season.
Nick Mangold has quietly been having a solid season. This is not an easy task facing Vince Wilfork and Albert Haynesworth in back to back weeks. Haynesworth is on pace for a huge season. He has 39 tackles, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles so far after 10 games. Those are outstanding numbers for a defensive tackle. The Titans defense thrives off the big man pressuring the ball all game. Nick Mangold, Eat your Wheaties.
On the other hand, old friend Kevin Mawae is wearing the baby blue of the Titans. He will be opposed by the NYJ defensive stud Kris Jenkins. On the year Jenkins has 30 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He means more to this defense than just numbers. Will Mawae be able to shed Jenkins aside to open lanes for his running game?
3) Brett Favre vs. Continuing to Take Care of the Football –
The Tennessee Titans defense has taken advantage of opponents’ turnovers brilliantly so far this season. The Titans defense is 6th in the league with giving up 186.7 yards per game in the passing attack. They are also 1st in the league giving up only 13.1 points per game. Also, they are tied for 2nd in the league having 15 interceptions.
Brett Favre on the season has thrown 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Over the past few weeks, Favre has been doing a much better job taking care of the football. He will have to continue this trend because the Titans’ love to capitalize on an opponents’ mistake.
4) Thomas Jones vs. Tennessee Run Defense –
A big part of the NYJ resurgence on offense has been because of Thomas Jones and the running game. The NYJ are 9th in the league for rushing yards per game with 125.9 per contest. Our offense has been really clicking since Jones has taken flight the past couple weeks.
The Tennessee defense only allows 95.1 yards per game on the ground good enough for 10th in the league. The Jets must continue to utilize the running game to support their passing game. It will be a much harder task running as effectively against this hard nosed, physical defense. Thomas Jones has to grind out tough yards all game to tire down that Tennessee front seven. Continuing to successfully having a balanced attack on offense will create another chance for a win for the NYJ.
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Titans have some BIG boys in the trenches that keep Collins upright, as the record proves, so it is critical for Farve NOT to hold on to the ball, and make quick safe reads. Also, it is critial that we win, as we should, our special teams battle and field position.
we gotta come with those corner and safety blitzes on passing downs…their recievers are not that dangerous we should take advantage of that….
let abe and kerry blitz…..
just confuse them
i would also like to see gholston let loose and let him get the qb but i been waitin for that all season
Gholston? Ya gotta be kidding me.
This game will be won by the more physical team. And avoiding giving away points with turnovers is essential.
Final score Jets 13-Titans 10
Favre holds on to the ball to let his receivers work their way open. What we don’t want is a bad pass because he’s being hit. The Titans defense is used to teams trying to hit the short stuff, Favre testing the Titans deep is one of the keys to winning, along with establishing the run. Dallas Clark got 2 TDs against the Titans back when the Colts were still out of synch and without Addai. Getting the TE deep takes more time, especially in play action. So, Brett hold on to that ball as long as possible and sling it 30 yards down the seam to Keller.
Ed L, you’ll be waiting until 2010 for Gholston’s on field performance to match his hype; if we’re lucky.
MR COLLINS DOESNT RUN. JETS 24-17
SackDance99;
Hope you are right. Lets see what happens, we’ll speak after the game.
The Jets are playing much more physical football this year than in years past. Adding Faneca who is a punishing blocker, and Chris Jenkins has changed the personality of both offensive and defensive lines who have been pushed around in years past. The Titans will have thier hands full this Sunday. The Jets do not just beat teams they beat up on teams. See video from Jenkins Sack of Trent Edwards, Alan Faneca pulling on TJ Rushing TD Versus Rams and leaving the Rams MLB stumbling around the end zone.
We also left Marshawn Lynch nauseous on the bench.
Be confident Jets Fans we win Sunday!
I pulled into the parking lot of my local pub for my Thursday night dart league. “What’s going on?” Every parking space was full and there wasn’t an empty table or chair to be found. How could I forget—Brett Favre was playing Randy Moss and the rival team for the division lead. The crowd cheered with every one of Brett’s scores. A classic Favre drive put them in the lead with only a few seconds left on the clock. The rivals drove down to the red zone. There was time for one last play. No, it can’t be! Randy Moss made an incredible catch and tied the game. The pub’s crowd was silent in disbelief. On the first drive in overtime our hero, Brett, takes the team down the field and the winning field goal is made. The crowd goes wild! I am convinced that was the loudest cheer ever heard in the State of Wisconsin. . . for a New York Jets game.
On the way home it hit me. I just saw a great game where Brett Favre and the home team beat Randy Moss and the arch rivals for the division lead—something we’ve all seen before. But this time, it was a Jets/Patriots game. I hope the fans in New York and New Jersey realize and cherish the player they now have. Yes, he will have his bad days with multiple interceptions. But he brings an excitement to football that you probably won’t experience again in your lifetime; and comes from a 16-year stretch with a storied team that had the highest winning percentage in the league. Enjoy the journey for all it’s worth. I have my green and white #4 jersey ready for the playoffs.
i love that everyone on tv has us to lose!!! Lets stick it to all these so called experts
Let show everybody how good we are this weekend by running on them and stopping the run. If we do this… Who in the AFC can’t we beat?
Jmaterra, I don’t believe we will see much of a Mangold/ Haynesworth matchup. The Titans like to move Big Al around, usually they place him over the weakest lineman. Should be interesting to see who they pick, but I don’t see Mangold as our “weak link”. I have a feeling they will play him over D’brick alot.
Weakest spot is Woody in my eyes. We can run a shift to get Faneca to help Dbrick. D Brick and Faneca is a better blocking combo then Moore and Woody.
John, nice review.
I think that we match up well against Tenn because, we can stop their running game and their receiving corp is average. With Revis and Law, we should shut them down. As we have had problems with TE’s lately, shutting Bo Sciafe might be a key to the game.
I think that our Offense will have to be deceptive in what they do. Running vanilla plays, as we have in many games this year, will get us nowhere. I am waiting for a game against a good team where we use our entire arsenal and blow the other team away. I know that most Jet fans feel that we have that capability. It has been the play-calling that has been holding us back. I really hope that this is the game that shows the league what our Offense is capable of.
If that doesn’t happen, special teams and turnovers will dictate the outcome. I like our special teams. It may come down to something that John pointed out. Brett will have to exhibit ball control. If we come out of the game with no interceptions and no fumbles – I think we win the game.
Go Jets – Huge Statement Game!
RHODES WHERE ARE YOU I CAN’T SEE YOU!!!!
YOU HAVE BEEN OUT FOR THE SEASON RIGHT??!!TELL ME YOU ARE IN HOLLYWOOD SHOOTING A COMMERCIAL!!!!
Sack Dance:
Who do you think is going to strech the field to beat the titans secondary? They average 5.6 yards per pass ranking them 2nd in the AFC. Besides in their secondary it all starts with Chris Hope. He is a superbowl champion and an excellent safety. The corners are fast so why would we want throw a 20 or even a 30 yard pass? I dont see your logic!!! Do you want Mangini to let FARVE loose? So that he can set the record for most interceptions in a season?
Correction: Finnegan (3.5 speed) and Hill (4.36 speed)
Correction:
finnegan (4.35 speed)
Ed L:
Gholston is probably the least physical football player in the NFL, except for Bobby Carpenter (a/k/a “Barbie Carpenter”), who also came from Ohio State.
And I’m a Buckeyes fan. Why can’t they all be AJ Hawks or James Laurinitis’es?
Problem is: they AREN’T.
God willing, Gholston will learn to grow a pair at some point. Right now, he is a blocking dummy, only easier to block.
He’s on skates out there people!
I REALLY DONT CARE WHATT THE LEAGUE THINKS. ALL I WANT IS A W. IF THERE IS ONE TURNOVER THIS GAME FOR EITHER TEAM IT COULD DETERMINE THE GAME. WE NEED TO DO WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING LATELY AND WHAT WE DID TO THE PATS! KEEP IT SIMPLE UNTIL BRETT SEES SOMETHING THAT HE CAN EXPLORE. THE TEAM THAT DOESNT MAKE A MISTAKE WILL BE THE TRUE TITAN!
I would not throw the ball deep too many times. They have 3 guys in their secondary with 4 ints. We need to run the ball, hopefully well enough to to keep us in manageable 3rd downs. We need quick short passes, slants and to keep our TE’s involved, particularly Keller. I was looking on NFL.com stats and Keller is in the top 15 in every category for TE’s. Pretty good. Hope he keeps playing the way he did over the last two games. We got to play it smart and a little safe. The Titans are all about winning by forcing the other team to make a mistake. They are +10 in Turnovers for the season, best in the league i believe. Got to run blitz and pass blitz!
KELLER OR BAKER WILL BE HUGE IN THIS GAME. KELLER IS MORE LIKE A WINSLOW TYPE OF TE. HE CATCHES AND RUNS FAST. SPEED COMBINED WITH HIS FRAME EQUALS TOUGH TO TACKLE FOR A CB OR LB.
last week bc i was at the game, law got help all game by rhodes. then when rhodes wasnt there, the jets got lucky
people remember that law is old and i think they will pick on him all game. if cassell didnt over throw that one ball, moss should have had 2 td’s and we would have lost the game
i am worried about the secondary, beasides revis. still think lowry is are wildcard and am hoping kerry goes out drinking the night before
Off topic but something I really wanted to discuss,
When do you all think the Jets need to start working on re-signing Leon Washington?
His contract is up after next season, and we all know if he hits the FA market he will get big offers from several teams. Ive heard several of you say how Leon Washington has been our MVP over the last few seasons, and I agree, so when should the Jets work on an extension?
What do all of you think?
He is a restricted FA. Meaning that if another team wants to sign him they have to compensate us with draft picks depending on how much we sign him for, or we can match the offer
Moon: I loved your post. It’s great to hear that there are still some in WI who cheer Brett. One of the sadest part of the entire Brett saga in GB was reading the posts from stupid Pack fans saying that he should move on. They were upset that he had lost in so many playoff games. In my view, the Pack always overachieved with Brett and then could not sustain it in the playoffs when they were up against the strongest teams. I hope Brett does not set foot in GB as long as the evil Thompson is there. He is the best. Go Jets!
Pete,
D’Brick the weak link this year? He has allowed only 2 sacks and has 2 false start penalties. For a LT that is pretty impressive. He was picked to protect the blindside and has done that. Not to mention that his run-blocking has looked much improved. So far rthis season he has shown that he is capable of being an excellent pass blocking LT. All he needs to do is be average in the run game.
Fonz,
I said Keller and I cited Dallas Clark’s 2 TDs as an example. Plus, if speed were the only criteria for a good CB, Justin Miller would be an All-Pro. And, if lack of speed meant that a WR can’t get deep, then Jerry Rice wouldn’t be in the HOF. Play action makes safeties bite, good routes make CBs bite, and body positioning allows WRs to catch even with blanket coverage. So, a play action pass and a good route equals a long pass. Also, whatever happened to Leon going deep? That used to be a Schotty staple. Last point, the Titans secondary might be good, but it’s not like it’s full of Pro Bowlers and Hill was Harper’s back up, so I have to believe their CB depth could be tested when the Jets go 4 or 5 wide.
Ilan, I guess I worded that wrong. I don’t think D’brick is our weak link. I just have a feeling that the Titans like the matchup of Haynesworth over Brick.
The game will dictate where Favre goes with the football. If the Titans are cheating up in the cover 2 looking to jump the short stuff then the deep seams routes and skinny posts will be there. The key isnt whether we let Favre do this or Favre do that, its if our line can keep him on his feet. If the flood gates open up in our offensive front then it doesnt matter who is throwing it or whether he can manage a game or a 7-11, it will be a long day. Lets see what we can do after last week’s big win. J E T S
I think Haynesworth historically has done most of his damage inside. I could see him trying to attack between Mangold and Moore, Moore and Woody, maybe a few plays go at D’Brick.
I’d love to be able to beat the Titans purely on the ground, but teams who both rush and defend the run better than the Jets have failed at that. (Baltimore and Minn)
Favre and the Jets receivers and TE’s are an advantage over Collins and the Titans TE’s and receivers. Especially with the injury depleted Titans D backfield. I’d certainly try to start out pounding it at them but follow that up with play-action and challenge the secondary. This is a team Favre should be able to hit his old favorite, the skinny post, on. The Titans will have watched the Pats film and be well aware of Keller and TE routes. Between that and cheating up to play the run, the safeties will likely leave WRs with single coverage enough to take some chances.
I know many people think we can only win with Favre throwing short and “managing” the game but I don’t think that will get it done against this team, as confident as they are, on their home field.
Why can’t we try Gholston and DE? It may just be a little easier for him to grab the concept of where he is supposed to be and let his physical tools do the rest.
I meant at DE.
Gholstonj is not ready to play on the NFL level, he hasnt earned being on the field with his play, the best way he can help the Jets is to sit and learn
Paul -
Good point. I can’t understand why they wouldn’t just have him in there solely to blitz the passer once in a while.
Joe B
Thank you and I agree with you. Use him for his ability, and it just may not be OLB.
Paul-
DE in a 3-4 defense is very different from what VG played at Ohio State. What attributes he has would essentially be wasted. Perhaps when they go to the 4-3 look on occasion but I think that others are simply making a better case for being on the field. He had some chances early in the season but, as the stakes have gone up, it’s simply not worth giving up plays just to get a rookie experience. A full off-season and camp will give him a better chance to work in next year.
Paul,
Gholston isn’t heavy enough to play DE in the 3-4. Maybe in the 4-3, but remember a 3-4 DE’s goal is to occupy 2 gaps, I don’t think VG is stout enough.
Eddie, good points. Their safety Chris Hope makes lots of picks, that would tend to show that they play their safeties deep, which should open up the seams for a TE or RB. But, the Jets run pretty well, so maybe the safeties cheat? Aaron Rodgers sort of imploded in the redzone a couple of times, but he still got 314 yards and a TD against the Titans secondary (the Pack lost in OT despite racking up over 300 yards in the air and over 100 yards on the ground). I’ll say this much, the Jets have the most complete offense that the Titans have faced so far. But, as everyone has been saying, the Titans have really capitalized on their opponents’ mistakes and not made many themselves.
He is undersized for a 3-4 DE. He would be prone to over pursue and let a O line men be free to block a linebacker, while he stands in the back field wondering what went wrong.
Gholston would probably be the worst player on my flag football team.
Sackdance,
I like your perspective man. Its clear that you have watched Favre in Green Bay and understand the game a great deal. I wish more people understood that its not as simple as dont throw it near that guy because he ran a 4.35 at the combine.
The Titans run that kind of NFC defense, similar to the Bears and Tampa Bay. Brett is most comfortable seeing those type of 4 rushers 2 deep safeties look. As long as we keep him upright we’ll have some oppurtunities. Like you said the balanced approach will put is in a great position to win. I think a 250 yard TD game by Brett and TJ with 20-25 touches and 100 yards and a TD would be an early Christmas present for us. Maybe that would make a believer out of the few yet to get on our bandwagon…
Awesome….
Ainge suspended for using Roids. Does a player on IR really need to use Roids? I
know he doesnt really matter in the big picture at the moment but kinda taints the organization a little dont you think?
SackDance 99 My friend,
You still forget that the titan’s secondary has held their opponents per pass an average of 5.6 yards. Which of our guys is going to stretch the field against them? You are not answering the question my friend? You think Keller or any of our wideouts is going to squeeze through and constantly torch their secondary? You are mistaken my man. It all starts with Hope their superbowl safety and trust me he wont bite like you said because everyone in the world knows FARVE IS A GUNSLINGER. Hope and the titan’s secondary is the perfect antidote to FARVE. They will pick him apart so fast that he would have more interceptions than touchdowns in the game. My advice control FARVE like MANGINI is doing because i know you dont like to here that and run the ball on offense.
john r,
Let me ask you this if rhodes was helping Law then why when Law was struggling (pass interference, and allowed a touchdown) Rhodes didn’t take over and do what he was paid to do? If Rhodes was so on the case with Law then why didn’t he manage the backfield like he is paid to do so the bleeding could stop. I have a feeling Rhodes is just as lost controlling the secondary as any backup DB trying to play consistent. Rhodes my man you seriously need to go Mangini and tell him the facts. “I love football and I dedicate my life to it” or “Sorry coach i am deciding whether or not to pursue my acting career right now”.
correction: seriously need to go to Mangini
lol alotta gholston haters answering to my comment….
gholston wont and shouldnt see the field….i was simply stating considering i followed the guy in college that i would love to see him get in there and get the qb….
so you can all relax and stop hatin on vg…he is still young and will develop
fonz….
ur miserable we are 7-3 enjoy it
I could not resist the opportunity to bash Gholston. I have said it many times that he was a horrible pick. He’ll be gone in a few years and will succeed in a 4-3 elsewhere. as for the comment about the weak link on the o-line. I would say faneca has been the weak link. Seems to be more mistakes coming form him than anyone else.
Haha yes Chrebookie though I have a feeling he may have used the roids BEFORE he went on IR.
Here’s the link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3718028
mark my words…the JETS special teams and defense are gonna WIN us this game!
Fonz u should be in a mental institution
i dont hate gholston, I just think that he should have been at Ohio State this year instead of the NFL. In retrospect I think that he should get a limited number of oppurtunities at end of 3rd and long when we have 4 rushers… For the Favre haters, listen to Mangini on Mike’d up today. Listen to that interview and tell me how much he “controls” Favre. This is a partnership guys, these two are in it together. What you are seeing is the happy medium starting to work and it’s just lovely
Fonzie’s Chad Pennington Fact
Chad Pennington challenged Lance Armstrong to a testicle contest. Chad won by 5
It was interesting to read comments on V. Gholston. Man, alot of haters! Yes, its frustrating to see a top 6 pick not contributing unlike the Patriots young stud in Jerod Mayo,but don’t give up on him just yet there is a reason “many teams” would of loved to get V.G. (including the Patriots) in the first round. He will be a great player when his time comes. No doubt in my mind. As for this game on Sunday,all I have to say is…Make Kerry Collins beat us! He has no weapons other than Chris Johnson. Gage,Scaife,and Lendale…please! Jets 31 Titans 17
If Gholston had stayed at OSU this year, he probably would have 15-20 sacks, without developing any of the skills he needs to be a successful NFL player, because his speed and power would be too much for any Big Ten lineman to handle. This would make him a consensus top three pick, maybe even a number one candidate.
So, next year, some team would be drafting him with a bigger contract than that which the Jets have given him this year, and he would be just as raw. At least the Jets are getting a guy that has worked at his NFL skills and knows what it takes to play in the league.
3-4 OLB is his best NFL position, according to many experts. He might struggle with gap control as a 4-3 lineman. 3-4 lineman, as noted above, is not an option. 3-4 DE’s are typically 290-300 and VG is in the 260’s, but more importantly, it doesn’t suit his skillset.
As I posted in the offseason, I only really expected him to be used in a situational pass rusher role this year with a more expanded role next season. The trouble with that is that the offense knows what’s coming, which makes it really easy for them to pick him up and this, coupled with the fact that he has not refined any pass rushing moves, limits his effectiveness in that role. Even so, he did have a couple of pressures and near-sacks in limited action earlier in the year, so wasn’t a complete loss.
The Jets instead used him more in a conventional 3-4 OLB role in some games and he showed some promise, albeit without statistical productivity, in that role, which was a bit unexpected. He has been contributing well on special teams (apart from the missed tackle in Buffalo), which is important for his development.
As noted, when in a playoff race, reps for the new guy are a luxury that can’t be afforded.
And all the calls for him to get reps in garbage time might make sense, but if VG is on a heavily incentive based contract (which he is), then some meaningless sacks could prove to be expensive on next year’s cap (where they are already up against it, especially if they keep winning). Instead, I’d expect to see him unleashed in meaningful action, when he’s ready, which may or may not be until next year.
I don’t see any hate, just frustration, which is understandable because the media gave everybody unrealistic expectations (to the point where I was told I was not a Jets fan because I said I’d take the under when someone predicted he’d have six sacks).
I think third down is the key on this game and Haynesworth will typically sometimes line up as a DE in such situations.
I think he might go after Faneca, who is a tremendous run blocker but has made a few mistakes in pass protection, but he can probably give any of our linemen problems one-on-one, so the key is that the protection must be adequate to give help. This is partly on Favre (who must call the protection at the line), although the preparation by Callahan will be critical.
Gholston is having problems with the NFL because he was a big fish in a small pond. The Big Ten is a Big Joke. Every year that the BCS puts them in the title game, they get their a$$ handed to them by the SEC. Just a thought but drafting from a tough conference as opposed to drafting from a weak conference does help in the development process. However, I think Ainge will have company on the steroid list when VG is busted. And believe me VG is a bust. Keller and Lowery so far the best of our 2008 draft.
Bent…THAT is why YOU run this site!GREAT post.
I was never a fan of the Gholston pick. He took up football in his teen years (never underestimate the benefit of youth football) and was begged by his HS football coach to play because he was a bodybuilder. To me, he plays football like a guy who is very strong and fast, but he’s not a football player. Now, in just his 5th year as a defensive football player (ironically, he was all-state as an OG!?!), he’s trying to make the leap into the premier position in the 3-4 — weakside OLB — after playing DE at OSU. I just don’t know if he can do it. I guess given his measurables, he was worth the try. But, I wouldn’t expect anything from him until 2010 and that’s only if he really wants to play football. It’s also too early to experiment with him, but given his success as an OG and DE, maybe he should pack on 20-30 lbs. and try the DL. But, he probably would be more of a 4-3 DE and actually has a similar skill set and measurables to Justin Tuck (who is an inch taller and 10 lbs heavier). To me, he seems lost at LB.
On O, I’d like to see Keller, Leon, and Brad Smith on the field at the same time… for once, especially on first downs, when a pass rush might be less than on 3rd down. Each of these guys is a playmaker, and in their own way will present matchup problems… but together, it could provide some interesting outcomes for us.
On D, obviously, our focus should be on the run, to force Collins to win it. I’d actually like to see some 4-3, which could help generate more passrush, without the usual blitz.
And maybe even get Gholston some reps, since people like him so much ;)
Bent
Gholston is a physical specimen yes. His combine was out of this world and he did set the sack record at a school with a history of turning out big time defensive players. However his performance does not warrant the coaching staff to think of him as anything more than an afterthought and a project. He had a whole training camp to make progress and start to be in the right spots. He has done nothing up to this point. The tools are there but a light has to go on upstairs or a fire has to be started under his behind. Im not saying one day he wont strike fear into the hearts of QB’s and Tackles all over the league. I would just like the coaching staff to focus on more ways to free up Pace, BT and Shaun Ellis. Those guys have been busting people up all season and are the guys we should be focusing on.
I think we are talking about two different things but I will tell you that you help run a great site and your input is well respected
I agree with all of you, was just giving a optimistic big picture view.
One nitpick Eddie: he didn’t have a whole training camp to make progress, because he came in late. Toss in a position change, no Senior year in college and a lack of HS football experience and you have a recipe for a slow start.
The comment that the guys who are actually playing should be the ones we are focusing on kind of sums up my point. Let’s stop worrying about VG, since he was never likely to contribute much this year.
Either he will become good eventually, or he won’t and neither can be ruled out based on what we have seen so far. Hopefully it will be the former. Either way, that won’t affect Sunday or the Jets playoff push this season.