Staff Picks Jet Vs Bills
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Justin Baldinger @J_Baldinger (Writer)
I’m excited about this game. Although I think week 1 outcomes are generally overblown, this is a great measuring stick game for both of these teams, who will be competing to be the AFC East’s second banana and for a wild card spot throughout the season.
I liked the Bills off-season a lot. They addressed their biggest need, a marquee pass rusher, but adding Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, two guys that have been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks for years. Austin Howard will face a very tough first test and his ability to pass it may make or break the Jets in this one.
The difference in this game though is how the Jets defense will perform against the Bills passing game. Ryan Fitzpatrick was sacked only 22 times last season, which played a huge role in his early season success in 2011. The Bills offensive line has taken a step back and the Jets pass rush has improved with a beefed up Aaron Maybin and the addition of Quinton Coples. Additionally, the Jets defense typically thrives against teams that rely heavily on the vertical passing game, which the Bills do. Buffalo doesn’t have a game changing tight end or slot receiver to control the middle and take advantage of the Jets’ lack of coverage skills at linebacker and safety. It’s a matchup that plays right into their hands.
I expect the defense to carry the Jets in this one, setting the offense up with consistently strong field position and allowing them to do just enough to win a low scoring affair. Jets 17 - 10 Bills.
Rich Wilhelm @koda522 (Lead Writer)
The Jets are in for a defensive battle against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The Buffalo defensive line is fierce so don’t expect Shonn Greene to have a breakout game by any means. The wildcat will be used more so in this game than other games to come. Mark Sanchez will need to use a lot of play action and the running backs need to use misdirection in order to get through the line. Someone of the Jets offense will step up and if I had to decide who I would go with Dustin Keller and Santonio Holmes based on his new found relationship with Mark Sanchez. The Jets defense should shut down the Bills offense especially with their limited weapons. They have two main weapons in Fred Jackson and an injured Stevie Johnson. The new and improved secondary will give Ryan Fitzpatrick headaches all day and the pass rush led by Quinton Coples will add much needed pressure. The offense is very shaky at this point so there is a chance that turnovers will happen. Based on this back and forth battle I see a very close match with the Jets winning by a narrow margin 17-13.
Mark Teece @TeeceMr (Founder/Writer)
Having drawn the short straw on the feature this week, and not wanting to repeat myself (as I wrote on the site on Friday Key Areas the Jets Vs Bills).
While Revis vs Johnson and the unveiling of the mighty wildcat, plus the possiblity of a wildcat-off in the form of former Jet Brad Smith. Special teams coach Mike Westhoff added a Gem to his crown earlier in the week in the form of punter Robert Malone, reports suggest that the roof of the indoor practice facility may need a fresh coat of paint. Field position will play a huge part in the outcome of this game. I do not envision Fitzapatrick marching the Bills 75+ yards once, let alone several times. Mark Sanchez will not affect the game in a negative way, his footwork has improved along with his demeanour and I believe he's ready to take the next step, my concern lies with the WR group will Hill make the catches? How fit is Holmes? And after off season criticism, is Kerley focused? Not forgetting that Dustin Keller may not be 100% . This will be an ugly game won be a combination of special teams and field position, keeping with the trend, I'm also picking the Jets to score 17 as they role out winners 17-14, Holmes and Tebow with touchdowns.
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