The Jets had a shot to beat Miami in their second meeting but once again failed not because of poor planning no, (I’m almost certain Ryan took care of that after the Wildcat embarassed the defense previously) but because Special Teams could not stop Ted Ginn Jr. from running back two touchdowns 100 and 101 yards respectively while giving Jay Feely a chance to play defender.

Although the offense had an oppertunity to win the game, between poor execution (at some points) and Miami’s defense really clamping down to protect their win, the Jets would fall victim to the fish once again. Despite the Jets heading into the BYE at 4-4 they need to continue to keep their heads high  if they expect to keep on moving up the AFC East ladder with only eight games remaining. With that, Rex Ryan has a new message for ya along with a Captain Morgan. (click the photo for Ryan’s message).

Quarterback: The past few weeks, Mark Sanchez has seemed to click despite the Jets various erratic win-loss pattern. Granted the Jets have been limiting what he does but even at that he has done his part lately and must continue to be sharp with the Jets forced into winning at least six of their final eight games. The Jaguars defense is alright but they have much room for improvement and as long as Sanchez handles the ball carefully, I see no problems for Chez unless he wants to eat a hot dog (maybe the sleeveless attire will bring him luck).

Running Back/Fullback: Thomas Jones contiunes to tear up defenses and cause havoc, certainly a vast improvement from where he was towards the start of the season and I cannot see that ending here against Jacksonville despite what others may say. As I half expected the Shonn Greene experiment would come to a crash after a dismal performance against Miami that would cost the Jets the football but don’t let that fool you, Greene was gold in college and I’m sure he will see some time on Sunday against the Jags. Tony Richardson should get some calls but again expect a lot of blocking on his part. With Woodhead at wide receiver, I only expect to see him lurking in the backfield on some special packages.

Wide Receiver: Jerricho Cotchery was still shaky against the Dolphins two week ago but then again the Jets have had two weeks to heal their injuries and get back to buisness. I fully expect J-Co to be more involved this week and get quite a few looks from Sanchez. Braylon Edwards will be the focal point of the Jags defense but his size and ability to make plays ensures some good catches by Braylon. David Clowney who looked good while filling in for J-Co should remain quiet but expect a couple of balls to come his way the same goes for Woodhead.

Tight End: Mark Sanchez and Dustin Keller seemed to reconnect the second time around against Miami but it was mostly because the Jets were in a rush to gain more ground on the Dolphins but again don’t let that fool you facing the Jags D might actually give Keller some more looks and who knows maybe a score. And can we please do something with Hartie? I appreciate his touchdown against the Titans but seriously if your going to keep get penalized, its time the Jets remove the sore.

Offensive Line: Just like the running game, the O-Line has been spectacular lately and although there are a couple of guys banged up (namely Damien Woody) he has been playing a solid game. As I have repeated week after week as long as they can protect Sanchez and give Jones or Greene some room to work with there will be no dilemma’s.

Defensive Line: The Jets defense was pretty fearsome with Kris Jenkins and without him many thought there would be havoc, fortunately that is not the case. The Jets would certainly silence the Wildcat when round two against Miami began which is good news as some of the Jets tougher opponents advance as each week passes. Marques Douglas seems to have enjoyed his past few games making some noise while Pouha, DeVito and Co. have been able to hold their own despite the absence of the Big Man. It will be a tough chore to contain MJD but if the Jets defense works hard and makes the plays, the Jags will have to look elsewhere for points.

Linebackers: David Harris came back to life after knocking Henne down for the 3 and out and had certainly established that he hadn’t lost anything. His partner Bart Scott although less vocal (on the field that is) has been making a solid effort and is no doubt looking forward to ripping off heads during the second half of the Jets schedule. The Jags offense has sputtered despite MJD and MSW and I assume David Garrard will be on the run a lot if Ryan has anything to say about it. Calvin Pace continues to also cause turmoil along with Bryan Thomas who has grown more vocal this season than in the past and why not? The more, the merrier, right? (That includes Murrell and Westerman but I think its pretty safe to leave VG out of this conversation).

Defensive Backs: Darrelle Revis contiunes to be the talk of the town so to speak as he has definitively risen out of Champ Bailey’s shadow and has become known as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Revis has been shutting down all season long and Sims-Walker will hopefully fall victim to the corner. Meanwhile Lito Sheppard is expected to play not that it would make much difference (unless of course he decided to have a monster day) as Dwight Lowery has been just fine totaling 8 tackles, 1 INT and 3 passes defended. Donald Strickland who once again is battling injuries will probably take the field but don’t expect all that after all Drew Coleman’s performance against Miami (batted down a pass, and had two solo tackles) as well as his overall performance this season is making a strong case for his time on the field.

Kerry Rhodes alone with the rest of the secondary have talked about being more involved in the games than they have been which is a step in the right direction but where it will go is questionable. True, Rhodes has been making some big plays this season but he doesn’t truly pop out because he has yet to intercept a pass or make highlight reel-worthy plays. Still it should be interesting to see what Rhodes does to step up his game. Jim Leonhard should continue to make the ‘quiet plays’ on defense and special teams while Eric Smith and James Ihedigbo should also see a few plays themselves.

Special Teams: [facepalm] Um … Where exactly do I begin here? Let me just say that was the worst performance by the Special Teams and it all had to do with the Jets deactivating all the wrong guys. Hopefully Brad Smith will return and those inactivees will actually be active and make the plays instead of giving Jay Feely a few shots at the runner (although he seemed to enjoy that). Though Feely was shaky after breaking Pat Leahy’s record he seems to be getting on track and I should expect little problems here. I’m actually missing the Steve Weatherford, take the ball and run play but I suppose there is no use in overusing it right? Still his punting isn’t bad. Though Justin Miller didn’t break loose for a long touchdown return as most of us hoped, he looked pretty good out there and appears able to get the job done while Leon is sidelined.

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