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Obviously, the Jets’ game is Seattle is a huge one for them. If they lose, they are probably done as a playoff contender. Let’s take a look at some of the story-lines and match-ups in this game . . .
The Seahawks have had issues covering slot receivers. Detroit’s Titus Young had a big day against them, as did New England’s Wes Welker. So this could be a big week for Jeremy Kerley . . .
Christian Ponder was 11-22 for 63 yards passing against Seattle last week. Sanchez and Ponder are kind of on the same level right now, so this is going to be tough sledding for Mark. The Seahawks have big physical corners that do a nice job of pressing at the line, and this allows their edge pass rushers extra time to get up field and create havoc (with the deafening noise as a big help) . . .
Another reason this is going to be a tough game for Sanchez is that Pete Carroll probably knows more about him, and his game, than any coach in the league, after coaching him at USC. Pete will come up with a terrific came plan to deal with his former QB . . .
If the Jets have a good offensive game plan, they should be able to get some good things done against a Seattle defense that has been good, not great recently. Detroit’s Mathew Stafford threw for close to 400 yards, and San Francisco’s Frank Gore (131 yards) and Adrian Peterson (182 yards) ripped through them on the ground . . .
There is a Sporting News Poll getting a lot of attention. In the poll of unnamed NFL players, Rex Ryan as named this most overrated coach in the NFL, in a landslide.
These kind of polls are probably a little overrated, and really don’t mean much, but you have to wonder if the bloom is coming off the rose a little bit when it comes to Rex Ryan’s perception with NFL players.
In the past, Ryan was considered one of the best coaches to play for, and free agents talked about wanting to play for the Jets.
This poll makes you wonder if this is still the case, and if he’s still the hot coach in player circles that he once was . . .
While Russell Wilson is very smart, and certainly a precocious rookie quarterback, he’s still a rookie, and Rex Ryan’s complex schemes tend to give youngsters trouble.
Remember in the first Jets-Dolphins game, Ryan Tannehill had a lot of issues dealing with what he was seeing. The same can be said for rookie standout Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts.
And let’s not forget that Rex and Mike Pettine had two weeks to study Wilson, and prepare the mother of all game plans.
It would be shocking if the kid had a big game against the Jets. It’s hard to see him lighting them up . . .
While the Jets need to play a lot better than they did against Miami, there is question they can win the next two games.
First off, they are facing a rookie quarterback in Seattle, and that will be a help. Also they will be the fresher team coming off the bye-week.
And then they play a very banged up St. Louis team that could be even more banged up, after traveling to San Francisco this Sunday. The 49ers might be the most physical team in the league.
Rex always talks about how great his coaching staff is. Well if they are great, they should be able to find a way to lead this team to a pair of much needed victories over two beatable teams . . .
November 6, 2012
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