Whew! What a week it has been ladies and gentlemen. The Jets went in against the Patriots, talking trash and were able to back it up after a halftime surge. While the Patriots pretty much directed their loss at themselves, ultimately they knew the combination of screaming fans, a killer defense and a solid offense spelled their demise and with the W over the Patriots, the Jets will suit up again at home to take on the Tennessee Titans. The Titans reunite with Gang Green after suffering their first loss of the season at the hands of then-coach, Eric Mangini at home in Tennessee.

Still feeling the sting from that loss, many Titans players have gotten onto the trash talking bandwagon and this game is shaping up to be a good one but with Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland sidelined will the Titans take advantage of a weakened secondary? Don’t count on it Tennesseans.

Rex Ryan’s message this week is below after the jump:

 

Quarterback: Mark Sanchez got off to a rocky start against the Patriots defense on Sunday turning over the ball at one point but luckily the Jets defense kept New England’s offense in line and Sanchez completely turned the corner after halftime eventually hitting Dustin Keller for a TD and Chansi Stuckey for a would-be if he [Stuckey] had kept his feet in bounds. Sanchez rebounded quite nicely after a crappy start and despite a “little” case of tendonitis in his knee, I highly doubt this will hamper the rookie too much but it is something for him to be careful of. The loss of Albert Haynesworth has certainly shown its side effects often and early and with the defense weakened as a whole I expect Sanchez to put up respectable numbers despite what the Titans have to say. 

Running Backs: Leon Washington and Thomas Jones have been an important part of the Jets offensive plans however their consistency is a lot to be desired lately but again with a weakened Titans defense I cannot see why Washington couldn’t put another burn on the defense utilizing some “Schott Specials” as well as the traditional “run it up the gut” routine while TJ punches it in the end zone. As Corey mentioned on the TJB Radio Show [which I advise all to listen to] it will be a 1-2 punch.

Wide Receivers: You know the Jets defense is good when the Titans allow Andre Johnson to score two touchdowns with 149 yards to go with it. That being said, though Cotchery and Stuckey are not clones of Andre Johnson they have still proven to be there for Sanchez and I wouldn’t be surprised to see both of them grab a few touchdowns. I’m still trying to figure where Schott has stashed David Clowney because with the Titans D in the state it is, Clowney’s speed could prove to be compatable with Sanchez’s throwing abilities often. Don’t forget to be on the look out for Brad Smith who will make his mark on special teams as well as those special packages.

Tight Ends: As I said last week, Keller is a Chez-favorite target and will continue to be there when Sanchez will need him the most. Ben Hartsock will be in for some blocking but if you plan on getting a good look at him, pack your binoculars.

Offensive Line: Everyone is healthy and pumped to take on the Titans defense and give Sanchez the time he needs to make the plays; all is well in this department.

Defensive Line: With Kris Jenkins feeling better I highly doubt there will be too much trouble and if the Jets can shut down the run early and force Kerry Collins to pass with a good but not great receiving corps, Fisher and Co. could very well be in for a long day. Keep in mind, the Jets are still without Calvin Pace so it will take a lot of effort to ensure that the three in the backfield are kept at bay but after the performances from weeks one and two, I’m not terribly concerned.

Linebackers: Ah, this is where it gets interesting. Scott and Ahmard have a score to settle and know each other all too well. Unfortunately Hall hasn’t gotten the chance to see Scott alongside David Harris which is bad news for him because they will keep bringing the pressure to the quarterback, the running back heck the whole offensive line and if the Titans plan to run a lot they better be prepared for some hard labor.

Defensive Backs: With Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland sidelined, Dwight Lowery will have to step up to the plate as he did last week when he essentially finished the game against the Patriots by assisting Mr. Galloway in dropping a desperate pass by Tom Brady with time waning quickly. Lowery has shown flashes of his capabilities and should be just fine especially without an Andre Johnson to defend. Shutdown is going to shutdown as usual meanwhile Drew Coleman will see some action on nickel packages and should hopefully provide an adequate showing (there is always Marquice Cole who could be thrown in the mix as well).

Special Teams: Week Three is here and Steve Weatherford still hasn’t been waived by New York which is a good thing so expect him to provide yet another adequate performance. Meanwhile, Jay Feely is looking in fine form and as long as Sanchez, Jones and Washington can keep pushing the ball, Feely will continue to put up the points.

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