Jets @ Jags Preview

Photo Credit Howard Smith (USA TODAY Sports)

Mark Sanchez continues to be the Jets starting quarterback despite last Sundays heroics from Greg McElroy. Sanchez gets the opportunity to redeem himself ( I use that phrase lightly) against a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars team who find themselves ranked 30th overall on defence (ranked 27th on passing defence and 31st on running defence).

With no Maurice Jones-Drew the Jags have seen wideout Cecil Shorts come into his own over the last few weeks registering touchdowns in his four games, boasting a total of 834 yards receiving. The Jets catch a lucky break as Cecil Shorts is one of those who will miss the game following a concussion he sustained last Sunday against the Bills. Rookie receiver Justin Blackmon has failed to live up to expectations of the fifth overall draft pick throughout the year but has shown glimpses of his potential with a 236 yard game against the Texans last month. Expect tight end Marcedes Lewis to feature heavily, having been targeted 18 times in the last three games.

A familar face will line up against the Jets in the form of Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne. The former Dolphins quarterback finds himself under centre following an season ending injury (forearm) to Blaine Gabbert . Henne has faced the Jets four times over the course of his career (2-2). Montell Owens finds himself spearheading the Jags ground game due to injuries to running backs Maurice Jones-Drew and Rashid Jennings.

The Ground and pound style of the Jets has been improving throughout the course of the last month and you can expect Shonn Greene to the main beneficiary of the shackles that Rex Ryan will have on quarterback Mark Sanchez despite Jacksonville’s lacklustre pass rush (ranked last with 13 sacks).

Like the running game the Jets defence has really stepped this past month, with Mo Wilkerson dominating the opposition at the line of scrimmage and safety LaRon Landry (who faces his brother and fellow safety Dawan) menacingly patrolling the secondary you can bank on another solid performance from the defensive group.

Sticking to the ground game will be the key to victory for the Jets. Blackmon has great potential but will he turn up? With that in mind it should prove to be another easy day at the office for cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who continues to impress in the absence of Revis.

Game notes: Between the two teams they have 36 players out injured. The Jets were victorious in the last meeting 32-3 at the Metlife Stadium.

My prediction Jets win 27-13.