Forget Fitz-Rex History, The New York Jets Must Beat The Buffalo Bills
Timothy T. Ludwig, USATSI

Despite the terrible history when facing Rex Ryan, Ryan Fitzpatrick and his New York Jets must walk away from Thursday night with a victory.

  • New York Jets (0-1)
  • Buffalo Bills (0-1)
  • NFL, Week 2, Thursday, 8:25 PM on TWTR, CBS, NFLN
  • Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
It’s only Sept. 15 and we’ve already hit the “must win” stage. It’s just one of the many factors and uniquenesses that allows the National Football League to be the top sports power in our country.

Both the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills are 0-1. Tonight, on Thursday Night Football, the first NFL game to ever be streamed live on Twitter, will be that must win game for each squad.

As far as the Bills are concerned, Rex Ryan needs a victory in the worst way. Coming off a 13-6 loss at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, a game in which the offense only put forth a miserable 160 yards, Rex is already hearing the hot seat rumors.

The Jets are a completely different story thanks to their nightmare of an early schedule.

Starting in Week 3, New York will square off against four of the toughest teams in the land. They’ll be at Kansas City, home against the Seahawks, and trips to Pittsburgh and Arizona. Starting 0-2 facing that climb might be too much to ask. In fact, the NFL schedule is one of those rarities that can actually destroy a good roster from enjoying a terrific season.

If the Jets do want to snag their first win against a Rex coached team (0-2 in 2015), they’ll have to do it while knowing he’s completely owned their starting QB. Ryan Fitzpatrick is 1-8 against Ryan-coached defenses. This includes his 0-2 mark with a combined five interceptions a season ago.

Despite the many injuries Buffalo is taking on the chin, Jets boss Todd Bowles understands what his team faces on the road against a formidable team, via AP:

“We know each other pretty well,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said. “They’re still tough. Rex is smart. He understands the game very well.”

Through it all, this is a must-win for New York. Obviously, there isn’t such a thing as a must win unless elimination is involved, but this is as close as it gets.

Kickoff comes your way at 8:25 p.m. ET.

Game Notes:

  • Sheldon Richardson returns to action after missing Week 1 via suspension. He’ll add on to an already scary Jets pass rush that sacked Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton seven times in Week 1.
  • Sammy Watkins, who torched the Jets in Week 17 a season ago, will play despite a nagging foot injury
  • This will mark the 111th time the two organizations have squared off. The Bills hold a 59-51 all-time lead.

NEXT: New York Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick Is Chad Pennington, Part Deux

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com