Season Overview and Jets/Broncos

I took about a year off from blogging but I'm going to try to get back into it because fitting my thoughts on Twitter is getting way too annoying.

Some early season observations:
1.) Darrelle Revis is the best corner in football and may even be the best defensive player.  The way he moves in and out of his cuts to follow receivers is absolutely incredible.  He may get away with physical play more than other corners but star players get star treatment.  Tom Brady gets a roughing the passer call if somebody touches his jersey.  That's the way sports work.

2.) Kyle Wilson has turned a corner.  He worked out with Revis this summer and the results of that are showing up on the field.  Wilson is finally locating the ball in the which is cutting down on his penalties. (My last post gets on Wilson because he was not locating the ball in the air)

3.) Rex's Defense.  The defense has been way too inconsistent thus far for the Jets to make a serious run.  They look great one week (against Buffalo) and can't stop anything the next week (New England).  However, I think the easy schedule from here on out could give them some confidence heading into the playoffs.  That has to start tonight with stopping Tim Tebow and the Broncos running game.

4.) Joe McKnight has been a great kick returner.  His yards per return average is tops in the NFL by about 10 yards a return. However, special teams mistakes have contributed to at least 2 Jets losses that I can think of right now.  Cromartie's fumble on the kick return in Oakland essentially ended that game and McKnight's fumble of the punt last week against New England was a huge momentum swing.  The special teams can't be making stupid mistakes like that.

5.) Along with the rest of the team Mark Sanchez has been inconsistent.  Sometimes he looks like a quarterback who is more than capable of leading this team on a deep playoff run and others he is throwing the ball 10 feet over open receivers heads.  I don't think he has had that bad of a year considering the horribly inconsistent offensive line play but he definitely needs to show something in the second half.


Jets v. Broncos 11/17/2011

Prediction:
Jets- 24
Broncos- 6

What will the Jets do?
Run Run Run.  The Broncos pass rush has been one of the best in the league with rookie Von Miller leading the way.  The way to combat this pass rush is getting a running game going and letting Sanchez use play-action.  The loss of Tomlinson in this one hurts a bit but I think McKnight can easily pick up the slack.

What will the Broncos do?
Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Run.  The two teams may punt a combined 50 times.  Denver has basically given up on the pass under Tim Tebow and will be looking to wear down the Jets run defense.  Revis and Cromartie will be matched up one on one on the outside and will have to stay focused as the Broncos attempt to run the ball 60 times.

Keys to the Game

1. Build up a lead. If the Jets are playing from ahead the Broncos may have to give up on the run which would play right into the Jets hands.
2. Stop the run.  It's fairly simple in this one.  If you don't stop the run than you don't win.  Tebow's option offense will require each defensive player to stick to their assignment and make tackles.  It is kind of like the Broncos are giving us a 60 minute defensive fundamentals practice.  
3. Eliminate mistakes.  I don't see the Jets losing this game unless they give up points on offense or special teams or make a huge special teams mistake.  
4. Trap Game?  This seems to be the definition of a trap game after the Jets put everything into last weeks tilt with the Patriots.  I'm looking for a slow start but I think that will be overcome quickly.