Offense
The Jets offense needs a big game against the Bills on Sunday and it begins with their offensive line. As in every game, games are won and lost in the trenches. The Jet offensive line needs to come out on Sunday and establish themselves early. Chris Ivory ran for 99 yards behind this line in their first meeting, and a repeat of that performance will be needed on Sunday. The Jet offensive line will need to open lanes.
They will also need to keep Mario Williams and the Bills’ pass rushers away from Ryan Fitzpatrick. In their last meeting the Bills only sacked Fitzpatrick one time, but managed to apply pressure to disrupt the Jet offense far too often. The good news for the Jets is that this offensive line has improved since these two teams met last. They are playing at a high level of play and they’ll need to continue against the Bills. Rex Ryan loves to rush the passer, so they’ll need to be ready.
Eric Decker led the way for Jets receivers in the last meeting, posting 85 yards on six receptions. Yet the Jets only managed 193 yards through the air in that match up. Brandon Marshall had his worst game of the year, only posting twenty three yards on three catches. Needless to say, the Jets receivers will need a much better game to make it to the playoffs.
Ryan Fitzpatrick had a horrendous game against the Bills back on November 12th. Fitzpatrick faced pressure all day and as a result threw two costly interceptions, that likely cost the Jets the game. Fitzpatrick has played very well for the Jets during their five game winning streak, and he’ll need to continue that level of play on Sunday. Fitzpatrick needs have to have a big day against the Bills to accomplish the job the Jets want to get done.
Chan Gailey has proven over the course of this season that he is an excellent game planner. Expect Gailey to have his offense players ready to go, and expect him to have a game plan in place to win big.
Keys for this offense are simple; open up run lanes, protect Ryan Fitzpatrick, and keep the Bills defense on its heels.
