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New Jersey – Health is always a big factor this time of year, and when you look at the medical situation with both teams in the upcoming game, the Jets certainly have an advantage . . .
Todd Bowles was asked for an injury update coming out of the New England game. Any injuries?
“No, not that I know of right now,” Bowles said. “Some people are sore, but no other injuries to report.”
That is pretty remarkable entering Week 17.
The Bills on the other hand have a lot more issues on the injury front.
Rex Ryan said he doesn’t expect tight end Charles Clay to play.
This is a huge break for the Jets.
Clay has always given the Jets’ linebackers fits in coverage, whether it was during his time in Miami, or now with the Bills.
The status of LeSean McCoy (knee) is unclear.
One player who definitely won’t play is the Bills’ top corner Stephon Gilmore, who was put on injured reserve a couple of weeks ago. This will certainly help the Jets red-hot passing attack.
And keep an eye on the status of the Bills’ other starting cornerback Ronald Darby, a terrific rookie, who missed Buffalo’s last game with a groin injury.
If both Gilmore and Darby are out, the Jets could have a field day through the air.
A player the Jets faced the first time, who won’t play this time, is Bills right tackle Seantrel Henderson, who is on the non-football injury list due to Crohn’s Disease.
So as you can see, the Jets are the much healthier team entering this contest . . .
The last few games we have seen a lot of Erin Henderson at inside linebacker.
Whether it’s platooning with Demario Davis, or filling in an injured David Harris in Dallas, he’s been on the field a lot over the last month.
And I will say this, and it’s not meant as a slight to anyone, but more a compliment to Henderson. I think he might be the Jets’ best inside linebacker.
He playing very well, as he did with Minnesota.
The only reason he was out of the league last year is that he had to deal with a drinking problem. It had nothing to do with talent.
He’s a terrific football player who does a nice job of weaving through the trash to make tackles . . .
Against the Patriots, Breno Giacomini was beat by defensive end Jabal Sheard for a sack leading to a fumble returned by linebacker Jamie Collins for a touchdown.
Giacomini is a solid player, super-tough and a good leader, but he’s having some issues with speed and quickness this year, and the Jets might need to upgrade the athleticism at right tackle in the near future.
Against Dallas he was called for holding quick-twitchy DeMarcus Lawrence in the fourth quarter. JPP gave him some issues against the Giants, as did J.J Watt in the Houston game (but who doesn’t he give trouble).
Look, I think the guy is a good player, but I do think there are athletic limitations that lead to issues at times . . .
One thing to consider about the Jets’ offensive line this year. Yes, they have given up the fewest sacks per pass attempt, but that stat is a little misleading for a few reasons. First off, Ryan Fitzpatrick has, for the most part, done a good job of getting rid of the ball quickly. Secondly, when in trouble, Fitzpatrick has done a good job of either creating extra time with his feet, moving around and then throwing, or taking off and scrambling. So take that stat with a little grain of salt.
Yes, the line has played well for the most part, but we shouldn’t get too carried away with that stat.
December 28, 2015
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